Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
Edited by
Hans Daiber
Anna Akasoy
Emilie Savage-Smith
VOLUME LXXXII
Philosophy in Early Safavid Iran
Najm al-Dn Mahmd al-Nayrz and
His Writings
By
Reza Pourjavady
LEIDEN BOSTON
2011
Cover illustration: A Learned Discourse in a Garden by Qsim Al under the
supervision of Kaml al-Dn Bihzd (d. 942/15356), taken from a manuscript of
Mr Al Shr Nawys Sadd-i Iskandar, completed in 901/1495 (MS Elliott 339
(f. 95b) of the Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford).
Pourjavady, Reza.
Philosophy in early Safavid Iran : Najm al-Din Mahmud al-Nayrizi and his writings /
by Reza Pourjavady.
p. cm. (Islamic philosophy, theology and science ; v. 82)
Includes bibliographical references (p. ) and index.
ISBN 978-90-04-19173-0 (hardback : alk. paper) 1. Nayrizi, Najm al-Din Mahmud,
d. ca. 1526. 2. Islamic philosophyIranHistory. I. Title. II. Series.
B753.N394P68 2011
181.5dc22
2010037470
ISSN 0169-8729
ISBN 978 90 04 19173 0
Preface ............................................................................................ ix
Dr. Sajjad Rizvi, Ahmad Reza Rahimi Riseh, Dr. Hamed Naji Esfahani,
Khosro Khosravi, Mohammad Barekat, Dr. Hassan Ansari, Dr. Akbar
Irani, Prof. Mahmud Kl, and Prof. Osman G. zgdenli helped me
to obtain manuscript images that I required for this study and I am
grateful for all their helps.
Prof. Cornelia Schoeck who was the second examiner of my disserta-
tion, read the text carefully and made valuable remarks. In addition to
her, others present at my viva, particularly Prof. Axel Havemann, Prof.
Renate Wuersch, and Dr. Johann Busow made some delicate insights
that I have incorporated here.
Prof. Camilla Adang, Prof. Robert Wisnovsky, Prof. Alison Laywine,
Prof. Ihsan Fazlioglu, Prof. Rula Abisaab, Prof. Maria Subtelny, Prof.
Heidrun Eichner, Dr. Khaled El-Rouayheb, and Dr. Lukas Muehlethaler
each spent much of their precious time reading and criticizing earlier
versions of this book. Indeed, the thoughtful remarks of Prof. Robert
Wisnovsky in particular brought a great improvement to the final draft.
I should also thank NaFoeG. (Nachwuchsfrderungsgesellschaft)
and the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for the stipends they granted
me between 2006 and 2008. Let me also express my gratitude to Prof.
Jamil Ragep, the director of the Institute of Islamic Studies of McGill
University, for considering the revision of my dissertation as part of
my contribution to the Institutes research project, Rational Sciences
in Islam. My gratitude also goes to the Bodleian Libraries, University
of Oxford, for providing me with the image of the folio 95b of the MS
Elliott 339 and granting me the permission to use this image for the
cover of the book. Dr. Sayyid Mahmd Marash Najaf, the director
of H adrat yat Allh al-Uzm Marash Najaf Library in Qum, gen-
erously permitted me to reproduce any visual material of the librarys
manuscript collection for the purpose of this study.
Last, but definitely not least, I would like to thank my wife Leila
Rahimi Bahmany for her constant loving support and encouragement.
INTRODUCTION
I. Background
At the turn of the 10th/16th century, Shiraz was one of the most active
cultural centres in the entire Islamic world. Particularly in the field of
philosophy no other Islamic city could compete with its dynamism and
vitality. The schools (madrasas) of Shiraz attracted a large number of
students of theology and philosophy from the neighbouring regions and
far beyond. This phenomenon did not take place all of a sudden, how-
ever. The madrasas of Shiraz appear to have been open to philosophical
discussions more than a century before that date. Between 736/1335
and 754/1353, the leading Ashar theologian of the time, Adud al-Dn
al-j (d. 756/1356), was based mainly in Shiraz.1 js profound knowl-
edge of philosophy is evident from his theological works, where he
often applies philosophical arguments to theological issues. However,
no indication has been found that philosophy was acknowledged in
Shiraz at this time as a subject of study in its own right. The shift may
have happened in 779/13778 when the philosopher/theologian Al
b. Muhammad al-Jurjn, known as Mr Sayyid Sharf (d. 816/1414),
moved to Shiraz and started teaching at the Dr al-Shif madrasa.2
He taught there till 789/1387, when Tmr (r. 771/1369 to 807/1405)
ordered him to attend his court at Samarqand. Some years after Tmrs
1
See J. van Ess, Aod al-Din Iji, Encyclopaedia Iranica, vol. 3, pp. 26971; idem,
Die Erkenntnislehre des Adudaddn al-c. bersetzung und Kommentar des ersten
Buches seiner Mawqif, Wiesbaden 1966; idem, Neue Materialien zur Biographie des
Adudaddn al-g, Welt des Orients, 9 (1978), pp. 270ff.
2
On Jurjns life and his writings, see J. van Ess, Jorjni, Zayn al-Din Abul-Hasan
Ali b. Mohammad b. Ali al-Hosayni, Encyclopaedia Iranica, vol. 15, pp. 219; Mahd
Shakbniy and Reza Pourjavady, Kitb-shins-i Mr Sayyid Sharf-i Jurjn, Marif,
19iii (1381/2003), pp. 13492; Sadreddin Gm, Seyyid erf Crcn ve Arap Dilin-
deki Yeri, Istanbul 1984; idem, Crcn, Seyyid erf , Trkiye Diyanet Vakfi Islam
Ansiklopedisi, vol. 8, Istanbul 1993, pp. 1346.
2 introduction
death in 807/1405, Jurjn went back to Shiraz and stayed there until
his death in 816/141314.3
Jurjn is well known mainly for his commentary on Adud al-Dn
al-js Mawqif 4 and for his book of definitions, Kitb al-Tarft.5 In
these two works, as well as in numerous other writings, Jurjn showed
a great interest in kalm, philosophy and logic. He wrote glosses on
a number of theological, philosophical and logical texts by his older
contemporaries, such on Shams al-Dn Muhammad b. Mubrakshh
al-Bukhrs (fl. 733/1332) commentary on Athr al-Dn al-Abhars
Hidyat al-h ikma,6 on Shams al-Dn al-Bukhrs commentary on
Najm al-Dn al-Ktibs (d. 675/1277) H ikmat al-ayn,7 on Qutb al-Dn
al-Rzs (d. 766/1365) commentary on the section of logic of Sirj al-Dn
al-Urmaws (d. 682/1283) Matli al-anwr,8 on Qutb al-Dn al-Rzs
commentary on Najm al-Dn al-Ktibs al-Shamsiyya,9 on Shams
al-Dn al-Isfahns commentary on Abd Allh b. Umar al-Baydws
(d. c. 685/1286) T awli al-anwr,10 and on Shams al-Dn al-Isfahns
(d. 749/1348) commentary on Nasr al-Dn al-T ss (d. 672/1274) Tajrd
3
Jurjn replied to the questions of Iskandar Mrz (r. 811/1408818/1415) when
he was back in Shiraz. See Mahmd Yazd Mutl aq, Iskandariyya talf-i Allma Mr
Sayyid Sharf Gurgn, Muh aqqiqnma: maqlt-i taqdm shuda bi ustd duktur
Mahd Muh aqqiq, eds. Bah al-Dn Khurramshh & Jy Jahnbakhsh, Tehran
1380/2001, vol. 2, pp. 1389447. It is not clear when he left Samarqand. He issued an
ijza for a certain Muhammad b. H jj b. Shaykh Umar b. Muhammad in Samarqand
in 812/1409, which shows that at that time he was still in Samarqand. See Abd Bqir
b. Umar al-Baghdd, Khiznat al-adab wa-lubb lubb lisn al-arab, ed. Muhammad
Hrn, Cairo 1399/1979, pp. 2930.
4
This work has been edited several times in Lucknow, Istanbul, Delhi and Cairo.
The most popular edition is perhaps Cairo 1325/1907 (reprinted Qum 1370/1991).
5
For the text and its French translation, see Kitb al-Tarft. Definitiones. Acce-
dunt Definitiones [Istilah t] theosophy Mohji-ed Din Mohammad Ben Ali Vulgo Ibn
Arabi dicti. Primum ed. et adnotatione critica instruxit Gustavus Flgel. Lipsiae 1845
[reprinted 1969].
6
For the extant manuscripts of this work, see Shakbniy/Pourjavady, Kitb-
shins-i Mr Sayyid Sharf-i Jurjn, p. 153; Gm, Seyyid erf Crcn ve Arap
dilindeki yeri, p. 146.
7
Published on the margin of Ibn Mubrakshh al-Bukhrs Sharh H ikmat al-ayn,
Lithograph Edition, Kazan: al-Matbaat al-Mryya, 1321/19031322/1904.
8
Published twice as a lithograph edition on the margin of Qutb al-Dn al-Rzs
Sharh Matli al-anwr, Istanbul 1277/1860; Istanbul 1303/1885.
9
See Qut b al-Dn al-Rz, Tah rr qawid al-mantiqiyya. Sharh al-risla al-Shamsiyya
li-Najm al-Dn Umar b. Al b. Ktib al-Qazwn, Cairo [n.d.] [repr. Qum 1363/1984].
For the various lithograph editions of this text, see Hans Daiber, Bibliography of Islamic
philosophy, Leiden 1999, vol. 1, p. 266, nos. 51920.
10
For the extant manuscripts of this work, see Shakbniy/Pourjavady, Kitb-
shins-i Mr Sayyid Sharf-i Jurjn, p. 143.
introduction 3
11
Jurjns glosses on the first chapter (maqsad) of Isfahns commentary were
edited as an MA dissertation by H riyya Shuj Bghn at the University of Qum, Qum
1379/2000. Glosses on the second and the third chapter were edited as an MA disserta-
tion by Fahmat al-Sdt Bihisht at Tarbiyat Moallim University, Tehran 1379/2000.
For the extant manuscripts of this work, see Shakbniy/Pourjavady, Kitb-shins-i
Mr Sayyid Sharf-i Jurjn, p. 140.
12
This work has been edited several times, most recently by H usayn Muallim in
Naqd-i niyz, Tehran 1373/1994, pp. 13340). See Shakbniy/Pourjavady, Kitb-
shins-i Mr Sayyid Sharf-i Jurjn, p. 140. It has also been translated into Turkish
and Japanese. See Daiber, Bibliography of Islamic Philosophy, vol. 1, pp. 257, 626.
13
See above, p. 2, fn. 3.
14
See Shakbniy/Pourjavady, Kitb-shins-i Mr Sayyid Sharf-i Jurjn, pp.
15561.
15
For Jurjns known students, see Shakbniy/Pourjavady, Kitb-shins-i Mr
Sayyid Sharf-i Jurjn, pp. 1835 (Appendix).
16
Qawm al-Dn al-Kurbl was among the teachers of Sadr al-Dn al-Dashtak. See
below, p. 17. His name appears in the bibliographical works both as al-Kurbl and
al-Kulbr. Yet it seems that the correct form is Kurbl. According to Qsim Kky,
Kurbl is a village near the town of Zarqn in the north-east of Shiraz. See Qsim
Kky, Ashny b maktab-i Shrz: Mr Sadr al-Dn Dashtak (Sayyid-i Sanad),
Khiradnma-yi Sadr, 3 (1375/1996), p. 83.
17
The extant works of Sharaf al-Dn H asan Shh are (i) a Persian treatise on db
al-bah th (MSS Ilhiyyt 749 D (Cat., p. 378), Dnishgh 339 (Cat., vol. 3 (1), p. 4)), and
(ii) H shiyat al-fayyd, containing his remarks on the notion of fayyd (= overflowing)
used as an attribute for God in the beginning of Qut b al-Dn al-Rzs commentary
on Sirj al-Dn al-Urmaws Matli al-anwr (MS Majlis 3908/1 (Cat., vol. 10 (4),
pp. 19345)). Ghiyth al-Dn attributes to H asan Shh a commentary on Taftzns
Tahdhb al-mantiq and accuses Dawn of plagiarizing H asan Shhs introduction to
that commentary while writing his own commentary on the same text. Ghiyth al-Dn
moreover asserts that H asan Shh was the teacher of Dawn. See MS Majlis 3423/2
(Cat., vol. 10 (3), p. 1283).
4 introduction
son, Muhammad (d. 838/1434).18 While the first two were evidently
teaching philosophy in the schools of Shiraz, Muhammad b. al-Sharf
al-Jurjn, who wrote a commentary on Athr al-Dn al-Abhars Hidyat
al-h ikma19 as well as some short treatises on logic, is not known to
have actually taught philosophy.20 One generation later, Jall al-Dn
al-Dawn and Sadr al-Dn al-Dashtak brought the philosophical
activity in the city to its height and actively engaged in promoting the
interest in philosophy.
18
The honorific title of Muhammad b. al-Sharf al-Jurjn has been reported as Shams
al-Dn by some sources and Nr al-Dn by some others. See J. van Ess, Jorjni, Zayn
al-Din Abul-Hasan Ali b. Mohammad b. Ali al-Hosayni, p. 24. Van Esss speculative
solution that al-Sharf al-Jurjn might have had two sons of two marriages with both
of them named Muhammad is doubtful.
19
This commentary is entitled Tah rr al-qawid wa-taqrr al-fawid (known also
as H all al-Hidya) and completed in 819/1416 in Herat, the autograph of which is
located in the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library at Yale University (MS Yale
University L-265). See L. Nemoy, Arabic Manuscripts in the Yale University Library,
New Haven 1956, p. 147.
20
See Gm, Seyyid erf Crcn ve Arap dilindeki yeri, pp. 1134.
21
On Jall al-Dn al-Dawn, see Reza Pourjavady, Kitb-shins-i thr-i Jall
al-Dn-i Dawn, Marif, 15 i&ii (1377/1998), pp. 81138; Harun Anay, Celleddin
Devvn Hayati. Eserleri. Ahlk ve siyaset, PhD dissertation, Istanbul University, Istanbul
1994; idem, Devvn, Trkiye Diyanet Vakfi Islam ansiklopedisi, vol. 9, Istanbul 1994,
pp. 25762; Andrew J. Newman, Davni, Encyclopaedia Iranica, vol. 7, pp. 1323;
Stephan Pohl, Zur Theosophie im nachmongolischen Iran. Leben und Werk des alladdn
ad-Dawwn ( gest. 902/1502), Bochum 1997 [unpublished manuscript].
22
On the village of Dawn, see Hamid Mahamedi, Davn, Encyclopaedia Iranica,
vol. 7, pp. 12932. Hence, his name is Dawn (or Davn) and not Dawwn as has
sometimes been erroneously written.
23
In the colophon of a manuscript of Ab l-Abbs al-Lawkars Aws al-masil,
copied by Dawn (MS Marash 12388/7, f. 168), the latter presents his own geneal-
ogy as follows: Muhammad b. Asad b. Muhammad b. Abd al-Rahm b. Al b. Abd
al-Salm b. Ah mad b. Abd al-Samad b. Al b. Abd al-Salm b. Al b. Ah mad b.
Bihrist b. Majd b. Zakariy b. Atiyya b. Bakiyya (?) b. Ab l-Faraj b. Abd al-Qdir
b. Nasr b. Ab Zayd b. Jbir b. Muhammad b. Abd al-Rahmn b. Ab Bakr (cf. Cat.,
vol. 31, pp. 308, 840).
introduction 5
added the title al-Siddq to his name.24 His first teacher was his father,
Sad al-Dn Asad, who was qd of Kzirn and a scholar of h adth
and tafsr in the Jmi al-Murshid of Kzirn.25 Another early teacher
of his was Mazhar al-Dn Muhammad al-Murshid al-Kzirn. These
two introduced him to h adth literature, fiqh, tafsr, and the rational
sciences (aqliyyt).26 Through these two intermediaries, who were both
students of al-Sharf al-Jurjn, Dawn regarded himself as Jurjns
student and linked himself to the latters chain of transmission of phi-
losophy, which goes back to Ibn Sn:
Jall al-Dn al-Dawn his father, Sad al-Dn al-Dawn & Mazhar
al-Dn Muhammad al-Murshid al-Kzirn al Sharf Jurjn Qutb
al-Dn al-Rz Qutb al-Dn al-Shrz (d. 710/1311) Nasr al-Dn
al-T s Fard al-Dn al-Damd al-Nshbr Sadr al-Dn al-Sarakhs27
Afdal a-Dn al-Ghln28 Ab l-Abbs al-Lawkar29 Ibn Sn.30
24
For instance, in the colophon of Rislat Jawbt Ab Sad Ah mad b. Al, which
he himself copied (MS Marash 12388, f. 185), Dawn writes his name as Muhammad
b. Asad b. Muhammad al-Siddq al-Dawn. Cf. the image of the colophon in the
catalogue of the Marash Library, vol. 31, p. 841. In his Nr al-hidya Dawn writes
that his title Siddiq is to affirm the principles and branches of Muhammads religion
(tasdq bi usl u fur-i dn-i Muh ammad) and has nothing to do with Ab Bakr. See
Nr al-hidya, Rasil al-mukhtra, ed. Sayyid Ahmad Tysirkn, Isfahan 1364/1985,
p. 109. However, it should be noticed that Nur al-hidya was most likely written when
Shh Isml was approaching Shiraz. More than anything else, the statement above
shows how much he was afraid of the Sh qizilbsh.
25
See Dawns ijza to Muayyadzde, MS Esad Efendi 3733, f. 44a; Dawn,
Unmdhaj al-ulm, Thalth rasil, ed. Sayyid Ahmad Tysirkn, Mashhad 1411/1991,
pp. 275, 2778. Dawn specifies that with his father he studied al-Jmi al-sah h of
Muhammad al-Bukhr. Al-Jmi al-Murshid seems to have been the mosque in which
Ab Ishq al-Kzirn (d. 426/1035), the famous mystic of the 4th-5th/11th century,
was buried. Nowadays it is known as aywn-i Murshid. See Manchehr Muzaffariyn,
Kzirn dar yna-yi farhang-i rn, Shiraz 1373/1994, pp. 1115.
26
See Dawns ijza to Muayyadzde, MS Esad Efendi 3733, f. 44a; Dawn,
Unmdhaj al-ulm, pp. 275, 2778.
27
On Sadr al-Dn al-Sarakhs and his place in this chain of transmission, see H asan
Ansr, Fakhr-i Rz u muktiba-yi b yaki az hukam-i musir-i khud, Marif,
18 iii (2002), pp. 1026.
28
Afdal al-Dn Umar b. Al al-Ghln is the author of H udth al-lam (ed. Mahd
Muhaqqiq, Tehran 1377/1998).
29
On Ab al-Abbs al-Lawkar (d. ca. 517/1123), see Roxanne D. Marcotte, Pre-
liminary Notes on the Life and Work of Ab al-Abbs al-Lawkar (d. ca. 517/1123),
Anaquel de Estudios rabes, 17 (2006), pp. 13357.
30
See gh Buzurg al-T ihrn, T abaqt, vol. 4, pp. 134, whose source, as he him-
self mentions, is Dawns ijza to Aff al-Dn Abd al-Rahmn al-Safaw (issued in
893/1488). The credibility of this chain is doubtful, particularly when it comes to Lawkar
being a direct student of Ibn Sn. Since Lawkars date of death falls almost ninety
years after Ibn Sns. Evidently the part of this chain between Nasr al-Dn al-T s
and Ibn Sna has been invented prior to Dawn. It occurred in a copy of Nasr al-Dn
6 introduction
37
On Amn al-Dn al-Balyn see the relavant entries in Dnishnma-yi Jahn-i Islm,
vol. 4, pp. 1845 (by Imd al-Dn Shaykh al-H ukamy), and in Dirat al-marif-i
buzurg-i Islm, vol. 12, p. 542 (by Muhammad Jawd Shams Nayrz). Amn al-Dn
is said to have died in 745/13445. This seems to contradict Dawns statement that
he was a pupil of Amn al-Dn through only one intermediary.
38
See Dawns ijza to Muayyadzde, MS Esad Efendi 3733, ff. 45b6a. Most of the
names mentioned in this silsila are unknown to modern scholarship. Unlike Dawn,
Amn al-Dn al-Balyns direct students usually linked the silsila of their master to
Ab al-Najb Abd al-Qhir al-Suhraward (d. 563/1168). See Mahmd b. Uthman,
Firdaws al-murshidiyya f asrr al-samadiyya, ed. Iraj Afshr, Tehran 1333/1954, p. 8;
Ahmad Zarkb, Shrznma, ed. Isml Wiz Jawd, Tehran 1350/1971, p. 86. The
shaykhs mentioned in Dawns silsila are exclusively from the region of Kzirn and
it seems that they were deliberately arranged so.
39
Dawn was the first commentator of H fiz. Two ghazals and three lines (bayt) of
H fiz have been commented on by Dawn in five treatises. See Jall al-Dn al-Dawn,
Naqd-i Niyz. dar sharh -i du bayt u yak ghazal az khwja H fiz-i Shrz. He also wrote
a preface to the Dwn of H fiz (see Pourjavady, Kitb-shins-i thr-i Jall al-Dn-i
Dawn, pp. 904; There are some indications that his commentaries were used by
some later commentators of H fiz such as Ahmad Efendi, known as Sd Busnaw
(d. 1005/15967). See Akbar Thubt, H fiz u pr-i gul-rang, Dar h aram-i dst.
Ydwra-yi ustd Sdt Nsir, ed. Ibrhm Zri, Tehran 1370/1991, pp. 7988.
40
Awh ad al-Dn Balyns Rislat al-Ah adiyya has been edited, translated and
studied by Michel Chodkiewicz (Eptre sur lUnicit Absolue, Paris 1982). On Awhad
al-Dn Balyn see also Muhammad Jawd Shams, Balyn, Awhad al-Dn, Dirat
al-marif-i buzurg-i Islm, vol. 12, pp. 5434.
41
See Jall al-Dn al-Dawn, Sharh-i ghazal az H fiz bi mat la-i: Dar hami dayr-i
mughn nst chu man shaydy . . ., Naqd-i Niyz, p. 186.
42
This is according to the colophon to be found in one of its manuscripts, MS
Radaw 799 h ikmat (Cat., vol. 4, p. 177).
8 introduction
43
The date of authorship of this work is mentioned by Dawn in his Tafsr Srat
al-Ikhls. See Jall al-Dn al-Dawn, al-Rasil al-mukhtra, ed. Sayyid Ah mad
Tysirkn, Isfahan 1364/1985, p. 52.
44
Dawn stayed for a while in Najaf and taught Suhrawards H ikmat al-ishrq
to Sharaf al-Dn Fattl. The two established a close friendship. Sharaf al-Dn Fattl
received the original copy of al-Zawr and its commentary. Fattl is known to have
been one of the teachers of Ibn Ab Jumhr al-Ahs (d. after 906/1501). See Sabine
Schmidtke, Theologie, Philosophie und Mystik im zwlferschiitischen Islam des 9./15.
Jahrhunderts, p. 17.
45
See Jall al-Dn al-Dawn, al-H awr [Sharh al-Zawr], Sab Rasil, ed. Sayyid
Ahmad Tysirkn, Tehran 1381/2003, pp. 199225, esp. 2024.
46
On the position of sadr, see W. Floor, The Sadr or Head of the Safavid Religious
Administration, Judiciary and Endowments and other Members of the Religious
Institution, Zeitschrift der Deutschen Morgenlndischen Gesellschaft, 150 (2000), pp.
461500.
47
Ysuf was appointed as the ruler of Shiraz in 867/14623. See Ghiyth al-Dn
Khwndamr, Trkh-i H abb al-siyar, ed. Muhammad Dabr Siyq, Tehran 1362/1983,
vol. 4, p. 85. Therefore, the period that Dawn served as sadr must have been between
867/1462 and 872/1468.
48
See H asan-Bay Rml, Ah san al-tawrkh, Tehran 1357/1978, p. 99.
49
The colophon of a manuscript of al-Zawr (MS Sipahslr 4505) contains an
indirect quotation from a note by the author about this event. Among the books that
he lost was the original copy of al-Zawr. See Jall al-Dn al-Dawn, al-Zawr ,
Sab Rasil, p. 184, fn. 3.
introduction 9
50
Jall al-Dn al-Dawn, Shawkil al-hr f sharh Haykil al-nr, Thalth rasil,
ed. Sayyid Ahmad Tysirkn, Mashhad 1411/1991, pp. 100261.
51
See Dawn, Shawkil al-hr f sharh Haykil al-nr, p. 109; for more infor-
mation on Mahmd Khwja Jahn (known also as Mahmd Gwn) (d. 886/14812),
see Tj al-Dn Nsh bd, Mahmd Gwn, Dnishnma-yi adab-i Frs: Adab-i
Frs dar shibha qrrah (Hind, Pkistn, Bangildish), ed. H asan Anshah, Tehran
1380/2001, pp. 23069. The extent of Dawns contact with Mahmd Khwja Jahn
is not clear. Apart from Shawkil al-h r, Dawns Risla Ithbt al-wjib al-qadma
is also dedicated to Mah md Khwja Jahn. See below, p. 11, fn. 65. According to
Nr Allh al-Shshtar, this work once has been dedicated to an Indian authority
and another time to an Iranian one (vol. 2, 22526). The Iranian authority to whom
Dawn dedicated the work seems to have been Timurid Ab Sad (d. 873/1496); cf.
the description of MS Ridaw 866 in Fihrist-i Kitbkhna-yi stn-i Quds-i Ridaw 4,
Mashhad 1325/1947, pp. 1978.
52
Dawn wrote a poem in which he presented the date of his Ab Sads death
according to the abjad system. See Sm Mrz Safaw, Tadhkira-yi Tuhfa-yi Sm, ed.
Rukn al-Dn Humyn Farrukh, Tehran 1384/2005, p. 77.
53
Muslih al-Dn al-Lr in his Mirt al-adwr mentioned the name of the madrasa
in which Dawn had been teaching. See Muslih al-Dn Muhammad al-Lr, Mirt
al-adwr wa-mirqt al-akhbr. Fasl- dar sharh-i hl-i buzurgn-i Khursn u Mwar
al-nahr u Frs, ed. rif Nawshh, Marif, 13 iii (1997), pp. 91113, esp. p. 104;
Rml, Ah san al-tawrkh, p. 98.
10 introduction
Akhlq-i Jall), written around 879/1474,54 to Uzun H asan and his son
Khall.55 As the title of this work suggests the author sought to apply
the Illuminationist (ishrq) approach to the realm of ethics. However,
more evident in the text are frequent allusions to the Qurn and the
sunna of the Prophet, as well as the utterances of Muslim shaykhs and
philosophers.56
In the month of Mizn (Jumd II-Rajab) 881/September-October
1476, Dawn wrote down an eyewitness account of the review of
Khalls provincial army of Fars.57 In the introduction to this work, as
well as in the introduction to his Lawmi al-ishrq, Dawn refers to
the promise in the Qurn (30:24) of a victory at Rm in bid sinn
(literally, in a few years), and by taking the word bid according to
the abjad system to represent the year 872[/1467], he interprets this
Qurnic promise as an allusion to the victory of Uzun H asan in that
year.58
In 882/1477 or early 883/1478, Dawn dedicated to Khall another
of his works, namely his first set of glosses on Al al-Dn al-Qshchs
(d. 879/1474) commentary on Nasr al-Dn T ss Tajrd al-itiqd. By
54
At the end of this work there is a reference to a civil war in Shiraz, which corre-
sponds to the events in this year. See Pourjavady, Kitb-shins-i thr-i Jall al-Dn-i
Dawn, p. 95; John E. Woods, The Aqquyunlu Clan: Clan, Confederation, Empire.
Revised and Expanded Edition, Salt Lake City 1999, p. 105.
55
See Jll al-Dn al-Dawn, Akhlq-i Jall, Lithograph Edition, Lucknow
1377/1956, pp. 317; Woods, The Aqquyunlu Clan, pp. 37, 101, 1158.
56
In the introduction to this work Dawn clarifies his intention by stating: pas
mimr-i tab-i n naqsh bar lawh -i khiyl kashd ki tadwn rawad ki b nki bar usl-i
h ikmat-i amal mushtamil bshad, dar shawhid u dalil iqtibsi az anwr yt-i
Qurn u mishkt-i ah dth h adrat khatmt manqabat wa- masbh sukhann sah bi
u tbin u mashikh u aimma-yi dn u lamat ishrt astn h ukam-i ilhiyyn
rawad. See Dawn, Akhlq-i Jall, p. 17. Despite its popularity, this work has so far
not been critically edited. It has, however, been published several times in lithograph
form (cf. my Kitb-shins-i thr-i Jall al-Dn-i Dawn, pp. 957). In 1839, W. F.
Thompson translated this work into English (Practical Philosophy of the Muhammadan
People, London 1839 [repr. London 1890, Karachi 1977]). For studies on this work see
E. I. J. Rosenthal, Political Thought in Medieval Islam, Cambridge 1985, pp. 21024;
Majid Fakhry, Ethical Theories in Islam, Leiden 1994, pp. 1436; Sayyid Jawd T abtab,
Zawl-i andsha-yi sys dar rn, Tehran 1373/1994, pp. 231253; Reza Pourjavady,
Bahth-i Msq dar kitb-i Akhlq-i Jall, Marif, 13 iii (1375/19967), pp. 3043;
Harun Anay, Celleddin Devvn Hayati. Eserleri. Ahlk ve siyaset.
57
This work, entitled Ardnma, has been edited by Iraj Afshr (Ard-i siph-i Uzn
H asan, Majalla-yi Dnishkada-yi Adabiyt-i Dnishgh-i Tihrn, 3 iii (1335/1956),
pp. 2666). Cf. Reza Pourjavady, Kitb-shins-i thr-i Jall al-Dn-i Dawn, pp.
1289.
58
See Dawn, Akhlq-i Jall, pp. 910.
introduction 11
that time Khall had already succeeded his father as ruler following the
latters death in 882/1477.59
When, following Khalls premature death in Jumd I 883/August
1478, Uzun H asans other son, Yaqb, took power (r. 883/1478
896/1490), Dawn was appointed as chief judge (aqd al-qudt) of the
province of Frs.60 He also accepted the sultans invitation to his court
and travelled together with one of his students, Mr H usayn al-Maybud
(d. 909/15034), to Tabriz.61 Later on, however, his relations with the
sultan deteriorated, as Dawn opposed the sultans centralization policy
during the last years of his reign.62
Most of the works that Dawn wrote during Yaqbs reign are
dedicated to authorities outside Iran.63 A close friend of the young
Ottoman Sultan Byazd II (r. 886/1481918/1512), Muayyadzde
Abd al-Rah mn Efendi (d. 922/1516), came in 884/1479 to Shiraz,
where he studied with Jall al-Dn al-Dawn until 888/1483.64 With
Muayyadzde as a student, Dawn established a connection with
Byazd II. At least three of his writings are therefore dedicated to
the Ottoman ruler, namely his Sharh al-Rubiyyt, his Rislat Ithbt
al-wjib al-qadma,65 and his second set of glosses (al-H shiya al-jadda)
59
The khutba of Dawn to this work, containing his dedication to Sultn Khall, is
extant in MS Gawharshd 851 (Cat., vol. 3, p. 1155).
60
See Muslih al-Dn Muh ammad al-Lr, Mirt al-adwr wa mirqt al-akhbr:
fasl dar . . ., p. 104; Nur Allh al-Shushtar, Majlis al-muminn, Tehran 1334/1955,
vol. 2, p. 221.
61
See Nur Allh al-Shushtar, Majlis al-muminn, vol. 2, pp. 2212.
62
Central policies of Sultan Yaqb necessitated the cancellation of fiscal and
administrative immunities on specific areas that had been granted to influential civilian
dignitaries in the provinces, many of whom were member of the religious intelligensia.
See Woods, The Aqquyunlu Clan, p. 145; cf. Newman, Davn, p. 132.
63
To our knowledge none of Dawns significant works are dedicated primarily to
Sultan Yaqb. However, it is said that his H shiya qadma al sharh jadd li-Tajrd
is dedicated also to Sultn Yaqb (after being dedicated to Sult n Khall). The same
work is dedicated later to Byazd II. See Al Sadry Khy, Kitb-shins-i Tajrd
al-itiqd, Qm1424/2003, p. 65.
64
He received an ijza from Dawn on 11 Jumd I 888/17 June 1483. See Dawns
ijza to Muayyadzde, MS Esad Efendi 3733, f. 47a; Muslih al-Dn Muh ammad
al-Lr, Mirt al-adwr wa-mirqt al-akhbr . . ., p. 104; Harun Anay, Devani, pp.
257, 261.
65
According to the colophon of MS Ragp 1457 (ff. 176b90a), f. 190a, this work
is dedicated to Byazd II in 894/1489. However, it seems to have been written years
earlier as in some manuscripts it is dedicated to Mahmd Khwja Jahn. See Tysirkns
introduction to Sab rasil, pp. 413. Tysirkn, however, thought that the work
apart from Mahmd Khwja Jahn is dedicated to Sult n Muhammad Ftih (instead
of his son Byazid II). Surprisingly, in his editing of this work he omitted either of
12 introduction
these two dedicating notes, because he believed they do not have any scientific and
historical relevance.
66
The works of Dawn were enormously popular in Istanbul, particularly during
the late 9th/15th and early 10th/16th century. Apart from his student Muayyadzde
Abd al-Rahmn Efendi, Kaml Pshzde (d. 940/1533) evidently showed interest in
the works of Dawn. Kaml Pshzde wrote a commentary on Dawns Rislat Ithbt
al-wjib al-qadma. See Sayyid H usayn Sayyid Bghjawn, Ibn Kaml Bsh wa-ruhu
al-itiqdiyya, Phd Dissertation, Umm Al-Qura University, Mecca 1414/1993, p. 194.
The popularity of Dawns works is also evident from the numerous copies of his
works located in Istanbul and other Turkish libraries.
67
About filori, see the relevant article by H. nalcik in The Encyclopaedia of Islam.
New Edition, vol. 2, pp. 9145.
68
The letter sent by the Ottoman Sultan Byazd II to Dawn, together with the
Mathnaw that Dawn wrote, are edited by Abd al-H usayn Nawy in Asnd u
muktabt-i trkh-yi rn az tmr t shh Isml, Tehran 1341/1962, pp. 44855.
69
Dawn wrote two Persian treatises on the notion of justice: Risla-yi adlat (ed.
Najb Myil Hiraw, Majm-yi rasil-i khatt -yi frs, vol. 1, Mashhad 1368/198990,
p. 6072) and Tah qq-i adlat (ed. Najb Myil Hiraw), Mishkt, vols. 1819
(1368/198990), pp. 3547. The latter is dedicated to Sultan Mahmd I of Gujarat.
70
Nr Allh Shshtar explains that Dawns Unmdhaj al-ulm was given to Sult n
Mahmd I of Gujarat by Dawns student, Shams al-Dn Muhammad al-Jurjn. The
Sultan sent back to Dawn one thousand dirham, but nothing of that award reached
Dawn as the ship in which the money was conveyed sank. Dawn then dedicated
his Risla dar bayn mhiyyat-i adlat u ah km-i n to the Sultan and in its intro-
duction implied that he did not receive the first award. Again the Sultan sent Dawn
the same amount along with some other presents. See Shshtar, Majlis al-muminn,
vol. 2, p. 226. Shshtars narration corresponds with the introduction of Dawn to
his Tah qq-i adlat (ed. Najb Myil Hiraw, Mishkt, vols. 1819 (1368/198990), pp.
3547), where praising the sultan, the author says kaf-i dary nawlash iqtid-i thr-i
mathir shar-i ilw farmda (p. 39).
introduction 13
71
The date of completion is indicated in the colophon of one of its manuscripts.
See MS Ragp 1457, ff. 20914, esp. f. 214.
72
Nr Allh Shshtar identifies Mr Muhibb Allh as the grandson of a certain
Amr Nam al-Dn Nimat Allh al-Md. See Shshtar, Majlis al-muminn, vol. 2,
pp. 2267.
73
See Rml, Ah san al-tawrikh, p. 99.
74
On Nizm al-Dn Shh see H usayn Barzigar Kashtl, Nizm al-Dn Shh-i Sind,
Dnishnma-yi adab-i Frs [4]. Adab-i Frs dar shibha qrrah (Hind, Pkistn,
Bangldish), ed. H asan Anshah, Tehran 1380/2001, vol. 3, pp. 25613.
75
It is said that his intention was to go to the court of Nizm al-Dn Shh-i Sind.
A possible motivation may have been that the two students named above were pres-
ent at Nizm al-Dn Shh Sinds court, See Barzigar, Nizm al-Dn Shh-i Sind,
pp. 25613.
76
Jirn at the time was the capital of the kingdom of Hormuz. On Jirn and the
kingdom of Hormuz, see William Floor, The Persian Gulf. A Political and Economic
History of Five Port Cities 15001730, Washington 2006, pp. 791.
77
Jall al-Dn Muhmmad al-Dawn, Sharh al-Aqid al-Adudiyya, Lithograph
Edition, ed. Ilys Mrz al-Brghn al-Qarm, St. Petersburg 1313/1895, pp. 56.
On Salghur Shh, see Floor, The Persian Gulf, p. 89.
78
In its introduction, he refers to the location where he authored the work as fol-
lows: allaqtuh f bad jazir Jirn. See Dawn, Tafsr Srat al-Kfirn, Thalth
rasil, p. 43.
14 introduction
79
Shshtar, Majlis al-muminn, vol. 2, p. 225.
80
Jall al-Dn Dawn, Dwn-i Mazlim, ed. H usayn Mudarris T abtab,
Farhang-i rn zamn, 27 (Tehran 1366), pp. 98118.
81
Muhammad Bqir al-Msaw al-Khwnsr, Rawdt al-jannt, Qum 1390/1970,
vol. 7, pp. 1945, vol. 8, p. 71; Newman, Davni, p. 133.
82
See above, p. 5, fn. 24. For Dawns position in this work concerning the suc-
cessors of the Prophet, see Pourjavady, Kitb-shins-i thr-i Jall al-Dn-i Dawn,
p. 116. It is noteworthy here that a refutation of Shsm, entitled al-H ujaj al-bhira,
is attributed to Dawn. See Jall al-Dn al-Dawn, al-H ujaj al-bhira, ed. Abd Allh
H jj Al Munb, Dubai 2000/1420. But the authenticity of this attribution is doubtful.
Apart from the fact that the theological positions of the author of this work are differ-
ent from those of Dawn in his known authentic works, there is no textual evidence
supporting this attribution.
83
See Shshtar, Majlis al-muminn, vol. 2, p. 225; Rml, Ah san al-tawrikh,
p. 99.
84
Dawn taught a large section from the beginning of the T abiiyyt part of Ishrt
together with the commentaries of Nasr al-Dn al-T s and Qutb al-Dn al-Rz to
Muayyadzde. See his ijza to Muayyadzde, MS Esad Efendi 3733, f. 46b.
85
Dawn mentioned that he was teaching this commentary in his ijza to Kaml
al-Dn H usayn al-Ilh, al-Ardabl. This ijza is quoted by al-Afand al-Isbahn in
Riyd al-ulam, Qum 1401/1981, vol. 2, pp. 1034.
introduction 15
86
See Dawns ijza to Kaml al-Dn H usayn Ilh Ardabl in Riyd al-ulam,
vol. 2, pp. 1034.
87
Dawn taught this commentary from the beginning up to the discussion on
existence (wujd) to Muayyadzde. See his ijza to Muayyadzde, MS Esad Efendi
3733, f. 46b.
88
In his introduction to his H shiya al-jadda, Dawn implies that he was teaching
his previous glosses, see below, pp. 7980.
89
Dawn taught the first nine maqlt of this commentary to Muayyadzde. See
his ijza to Muayyadzde, MS Esad Efendi 3733, f. 46b. He also wrote glosses on the
Tah rr Iqldus. See Al Dawn, Sharh -i zindign-yi Mawln Jall al-Dn Dawn,
Qum 1335/1956, p. 167.
90
Dawn taught this commentary to Muayyadzde. See Dawns ijza to
Muayyadzde, MS Esad Efendi 3733, f. 46b. Dawn also wrote glosses on this commen-
tary. See Pourjavady, Kitb-shins-yi thr-i Jall al-Dn al-Dawn, pp. 1234.
91
In his introduction to the glosses on H awsh Mr Sayyid al-Sharf al-Jurjn al
sharh al-Shamsiyya, Dawn indicates that he was teaching these glosses. See Jall al-Dn
al-Dawn, H shiya al H awsh Mr Sayyid Sharf al-Jurjn al sharh al-Shamsiyya,
Shurh al-Shamsiyya, stna 1309/189192, (pp. 25686), p. 256.
92
See below, pp. 327.
93
See below, p. 76.
94
See Rml, Ah san al-tawrkh, p. 186.
95
Muzaffar al-Dn Al al-Shrz is said to be a son-in-law of Dawn. He taught
instead of Dawn during the latters lengthy illness. Muzaffar al-Dn later went to Istan-
bul and with the help of Muayyadzde started teaching there. Later in his life he went
blind and received sixty dirhams retirement pay from Sultan Salm. See Tshkuprzde
(Tkprzde), E-aqiq En-Nomnijje, mit Zusaetzen, Verbesserungen und Anmer-
kungen aus dem Arabischen uebersetzt von O. Rescher, Konstantinopel Galata 1927,
p. 215; Muhammad Taq Mr, Buzurgn-i nm-yi prs, Shiraz 1368/1989, vol. 2, pp.
6701; Alexandra Whelan Dunietz, Qd H usayn Maybud of Yazad: Representative of
the Iranian Provincial Elite in the Late Fifteenth Century, PhD dissertation, University
of Chicago, Chicago 1990, pp. 5960.
96
After studying with Dawn, Jall al-Dn al-Astarbd went to Herat and studied
with a certain Shaykh H usayn. Astarbd was appointed as sadr by Shah Isml in
920/1514 and kept this position during the rest the Shahs reign and even the first
year of his successors, Shah T ahmsb, until he died. See Ahmad Qumm, Khulsat
16 introduction
al-tawrkh, ed. Ih sn Ishrq, Tehran 1359/19801, vol. 1, pp. 156, 160; Rml,
Ah san al-tawrkh, p. 248. He authored among other works glosses on Dawns
al-H shiya al-qadma al sharh Qshj li-l-Tajrd. See Al Sadry Khy, Kitb-
shins-i Tajrd al-itiqd, pp. 756. Rml also attributed to him a commentary on
H ills Tahdhb al-usl. See Ah san al-tawrkh, p. 248.
97
See Dawns Ijza to Muayyadzde, MS Esad Efendi 3733, ff. 41b7a.
98
See below, pp. 3740.
99
According to gh Buzurg al-T ihrn, Aff al-Dn al-Safaw received an ijza
from Dawn in 893/1488. See T abaqt, vol. 4, pp. 134.
100
See below, pp. 414.
101
See Dawn, Sab rasil, (introduction), p. 27; Qumm, Khulsat al-tawrkh,
vol. 1, p. 149.
102
See below, p. 51, fn. 33.
103
H akm Shh was a descendant of a family of doctors and himself excelled in
medicine. After studying in Shiraz he went to Mecca and spent some time there. He
was then invited to Byazds court in Istanbul on Muayyadzdes recommendation.
He wrote a work on tafsr, glosses on Dawns Sharh Aqid al-adudiyya, and a com-
mentary on Jaml al-Dn Ibn H jibs Kfiyya (dealing with grammar). Tshkprzde,
E-aqiq En-Nomnijje, p. 216. Whelan Dunietz, Qd H usayn Maybud of Yazad,
p. 60; Dawn, Sab rasil, (introduction), pp. 278.
104
See below, pp. 74105 (Chapter Two).
105
On Sadr al-Dn al-Dashtak, see Dashtak, Kashf al-haqiq al-Muhammadiyya,
Musannaft-i Ghiyth al-Dn Mansr-i H usayn-i Dashtak-i Shrz, vol. 2, pp. 735988;
Abd Allh Shakb, Barras-yi thr u afkr-i falsaf-i Mr Sadr al-Dn-i Dashtak, PhD
Dissertation, University of Tehran, Tehran 1355/1976; Kky, Ashny b maktab-i
Shrz: Mr Sadr al-Dn Dashtak, pp. 829; Ghiyth al-Dn Mansr al-Dashtak,
Tuh fat al-fat f tafsr srat hal at, ed. Parwn Bahrzda, Tehran 1381/2002, pp.
3450 (introduction); Muhammad Barakat, Kitb-shins-i maktab-i falsaf-i Shrz,
Shiraz 1383/2004, pp. 1732.
106
See Dashtak, Kashf al-h aqiq al-Muh ammadiyya, Musannaft-i Ghiyth
al-Dn, vol. 2, p. 982.
introduction 17
prominent Zayd family that had been living in Shiraz since the 5th/11th
century.107 Dashtak learned Arabic and studied Islamic law with his
cousin, Majd al-Dn H abb Allh al-Dashtak, and he studied h adth
literature with his father Sayyid Mansr and with another cousin of his,
Sayyid Nizm al-Dn Ahmad al-Dashtak.108 Sadr al-Dns son, Ghyth
al-Dn, presents his fathers chain of transmission of h adith as follows:
Sadr al-Dn al-Dashtak his father, Sadr al-Shar Mansr & his
cousin, Nizm al-Dn Ah mad b. Ish q b. Ibrhm b. Muh ammad
Sadr al-Shar Mansrs father Muh ammad his father Ibrhim
his father Muh ammad his father Ish q his father Al his
father Arabshh his father Amrn his father Amr his father
al-H asan his father al-H usayn al-Shir al-Arr his father his
father Al al-Nasb (or Nasnn) al-Shir his father Zayd al-Asam
his father Muhammad his father Al his father Jafar his father
Ahmad al-Sakkn his father Muhammad al-Sayyid his father Zayd
al-Shahd al-h arq (d. 122/740) his father al-Imam Zayn al-bidn Al
(d. 94/71213) his father al-Imam al-H usayn (d. 61/680) his father
Al b. Ab T lib Prophet Muhammad.109
As for the rational sciences, he studied with Qawm al-Dn al-Kurbl,110
who was a student of Sharf Jurjn. It was Kurbl who introduced
Dashtak to contemporary theological and philosophical discussions,
and, in particular, to the writings of Jurjn.111 However, according to
his son, Ghiyth al-Dn Mansr, his main teacher in logic and philoso-
phy was a certain Sayyid Muslim al-Frs, with whom Dashtak read
107
According to Kky the first member of the family who moved to Shiraz was
Ab Sad Al al-Nasb (fl. ca. 400/1010). See Kky, Ashny b maktab-i Shrz:
Mr Sadr al-Dn Dashtak, p. 83.
108
See Dashtak, Kashf al-h aqiq al-Muh ammadiyya, Musannaft-i Ghiyth
al-Dn, vol. 2, pp. 9823.
109
Khwnsr quoted this isnd from an unspecified work by Sadr al-Dn Muhammad
b. Ghiyth al-Dn. See Muhammad Bqir al-Msaw al-Khwnsr, Rawdt al-jannt,
vol. 7, pp. 2412. This isnd is also mentioned by Sadr al-Dns grandson, known as
Sadr al-Dn II, in his ijza to one of his students. Prior to Khwnsr this ijza is quoted
by Majlis in his Bih r al-anwr (Beirut 1412/1992, vol. 105, pp. 803).
110
See Dashtak, Kashf al-haqiq al-Muhammadiyya, Musannaft-i Ghiyth al-Dn,
p. 983. On Kurbl, see above, p. 3, fn. 16.
111
Ghiyth al-Dn does not consider his father as Kurbls student, but rather as
a colleague with whom he had some discussions and debates. See Dashtak, Kashf
al-h aqiq al-Muh ammadiyya, MS Majlis-i Sin 32, ff. 113b4a In the edition of this
text in Musannaft-i Ghiyth al-Dn (vol. 2, p. 983), Kurbls name appears wrongly
as Kirmn. However, Sadr al-Dn was too young at that time to be considered as
Kurbls colleague.
18 introduction
112
See Dashtak, Kashf al-h aqiq al-Muh ammadiyya, Musannaft-i Ghiyth
al-Dn, vol. 2, p. 983.
113
Dashtak, Kashf al-haqiq al-Muhammadiyya, Musannaft-i Ghiyth al-Dn,
vol. 2, p. 983.
114
Dashtak, Kashf al-haqiq al-Muhammadiyya, Musannaft-i Ghiyth al-Dn,
vol. 2, pp. 9845.
115
Ibid., f. 113a. Cf. Fursat al-Dawla Shrz, thr al-ajam, Tehran 1362/1983,
p. 498. The madrasa, which is active in Shiraz till the present time is built on one
hectare of land in the centre of Shiraz. See Kky, Ashny b maktab-i Shrz: Mr
Sadr al-Dn Dashtak, p. 83.
116
Edited by Manchihr Sutdah, Farhang-i rn-zamn, 4 (1335/1956), pp.
185302.
introduction 19
been considerable, should be exempted from tax and that Sadr al-Dn
should be free to use it for whatever purpose he chose.117
Despite the support he received from Sultn Yaqb, Dashtak dedi-
cated his most significant writings to the Ottoman Sultan Byazd II.
While still a prince, the latter wrote to Sadr al-Dn al-Dashtak, rec-
ommending his friend Muayyadzde to him as a student.118 However,
during his subsequent stay in Shiraz, Muayyadzde studied primarily
with Dawn, though he also had a period of study with Sadr al-Dn
al-Dashtak. Two years after Byazd II took power in 886/1481,
Muayyadzde returned to Istanbul. Dashtak dedicated his first set of
glosses on Qshchs commentary on Tajrd al-itiqd (completed by
888/1483) to Byazd II and asked Muayyadzde to take the work to
him.119 Later on, he also dedicated his second set of glosses on the same
commentary to this Ottoman ruler.120
117
See H jj Mrz H asan Fasy, Frs-nma-yi Nsir, ed. Mansr Rastigr Fasy,
Tehran 1367/1988, pp. 3514; Kky, Ashny b maktab-i Shrz: Mr Sadr al-Dn
Dashtak, p. 84.
118
Muslih al-Dn Muhammad al-Lr, Mirt al-adwr wa-mirqt al-akhbr . . .,
p. 104.
119
See Muslih al-Dn Muhammad al-Lr, Mirt al-adwr wa mirqt al-akhbr . . .,
p. 104; See Al Sadry Khy, Kitb-shins-i Tajrd al-itiqd, p. 85.
120
See H shiya al sharh Tajrd al-itiqd, MS Ftih 3025, f. 2a.
121
Rml, Ah san al-tawrkh, p. 28.
122
Dashtak, Kashf al-haqiq al-Muhammadiyya, Musannaft-i Ghiyth al-Dn,
vol. 2, p. 985; in MS Majlis-i Sin 32, which contains this work and was copied by
the authors son, Sadr al-Dn II, the date of death is recorded as 12 Ramadn 903 and
corrected in the margin as 17 Ramadn 903 (f. 115a). The former date is mentioned
by other bibliographical sources, such as Fasys Frs-nma-yi Nsir (p. 359) and
Rmls Ah san al-tawrkh (p. 33).
20 introduction
123
This work is completed in Muh arram 947/May-June 1540. See below, pp.
289.
124
See Dashtaks prologue of Kashf al-haqiq al-Muhammadiyya, Musannaft-i
Ghiyth al-Dn, vol. 2, pp. 9808.
125
See Shshtar, 2/229; Khwnsr, Rawdt al-Jannt, vol. 5, p. 189; Kky, shny
b maktab-i Shrz: Mr Sadr al-Dn Dashtak, p. 83.
126
Sadr al-Dn al-Dashtak, Gawhar-nma (or Jawhirnma), ed. Manchihr
Sutdah, Farhang-i rn-zamn 4 (1335/1956), p. 186; cf. Woods, The Aqquyunlu
Clan, p.105.
127
See Dawn, H shiya al Sharh Tajrd al-itiqd, MS Majlis 1999, f. 5b; cf.
Shshtar, Majlis al-muminn, vol. 2, p. 223.
introduction 21
During his later life, Sadr al-Dn often consulted with his son, Ghiyth
al-Dn Mansr, on philosophical issues. Evidence for this is given in
the introduction to his second set of glosses on Qshchs commentary
on T ss Tajrd al-itiqd (al-H shiya al-jadda), where he explicitly
mentions that some achievements (nubadhan min tawfqt) of his
son Mansr are included in the work.128 Moreover, Ghiyth al-Dn
explains in his Kashf al-h aqiq al-Muh ammadiyya that his father
believed that human souls are free from matter, although his discussion
of that issue in his al-H shiya al-jadda al sharh al-Tajrd may be
understood to point to the contrary this, at least, is what one of the
people (a reference to Dawn) understood from it. The explanation
that Ghiyth al-Dn puts forward for the shortcomings of his fathers
discussion regarding this issue is the fact that he, Ghiyth al-Dn, was
in Azerbaijan (presumably Tabriz) and not with his father while the
latter was writing this section of the H shiya.129 This seems to imply
that, with the exception of the time when he was in Azerbaijan, Ghiyth
al-Dn used to be consulted by his father, whenever the latter composed
the glosses (and possibly other writings).
According to his son, Sadr al-Dn composed fourteen works, for ten
of which Ghiyth al-Dn gives the title:130
128
Sadr al-Dn al-Dashtaks H shiya al Sharh Tajrd al-itiqd, MS Ftih 3025,
f. 1b.
129
Ghyth al-Dn writes: wa-bi-l-jumla kna f tajarrud al-nafs muwfiqan
li-jumhr al-h ukam, ill annah inda ghaybat an khidmatih fi al-zamn alladh
kuntu f bild dharbyjn kataba f h awshhi al al-tajrd kalman fahama minh
bad al-ns annah yunkir al-tajarrud wa-l-baq. See Dashtak, Kashf al-h aqiq
al-Muhammadiyya, Musannaft-i Ghiyth al-Dn, vol. 2, p. 984.
130
See Dashtak, Kashf al-h aqiq al-Muh ammadiyya, Musannaft-i Ghiyth
al-Dn, vol. 2, p. 984.
131
For the extant manuscripts of this work, see below, p. 75, fn. 10.
132
For the extant manuscripts of this work, see Barakat, Kitb-shins-i maktab-i
falsaf-i Shrz, pp. 245.
22 introduction
133
See Shshtar, Majlis al-muminn, vol. 2, p. 230. This work has not yet been
identified.
134
See below, p. 79, fn. 26.
135
Ghiyth al-Dn al-Dashtak did not specify the author of this work, referring
to it as Taysr al-fiqh. Shshtar specifies that this work is on Shfi school of fiqh
(referring to it as Talqt bar Taysr fiqh-i Shfi). See Shshtar, Majlis al-muminn,
vol. 2, p. 230. Kky describes the work as glosses on Taysr al-wusl il jam al-usl
[by Ibn Dba al-Shaybn (d. 944/1537)]. See Kky, Ashny b maktab-i Shrz:
Mr Sadr al-Dn Dashtak, p. 86. However, this cannot be correct as Taysr al-wusl
is completed in 916/15101, thirteen years after Sadr al-Dns death. Taysr al-H w f
tah rr al-fatw by Sharaf al-Dn Ibn al-Briz al-H amaw seems to be the only book
on which the glosses could have been written.
136
For the location of some of the extant manuscripts of these two works, see Al
Sadry Khu, Kitb-shins-i Tajrd al-itiqd, pp. 857, 902.
137
For the location of two extant manuscripts of the text, see Barakat, Kitb-shins-i
maktab-i falsaf-i Shrz, p. 32.
138
For the bibliographical reference to the edition of this work see above, p. 18,
fn. 116.
139
For the location of some of its extant manuscripts, see Barakat, Kitb-shins-i
maktab-i falsaf-i Shrz, pp. 178. To this list should be added MS ehid Ali Paa
2761, ff. 89b106a.
introduction 23
To this list should be added the glosses that Sadr al-Dn wrote on Adud
al-Dn al-Ijs commentary on Ibn H jibs Mukhtasar al-usl.140
The list provided by Ghiyth al-Dn shows that Sadr al-Dn wrote
much less than his contemporary Dawn. Ghiyth al-Dn evidently
felt the need to explain this. He writes:
It was his noble habit to mention only his original ideas and to quote
from others writings only with reference to their respective authors with
the intention of commenting upon them. This was the reason he chose to
write most of his works in the form of glosses, since in glosses there is no
need to benefit others by repeating what has already been said in other
texts and the commentaries. Although he wrote fewer and shorter works
than other great scholars and noble philosophers, the number and quality
of the original points made in his writings exceed those of others.141
Although Ghiyth al-Dns primary aim in making this remark was to
explain why his father wrote less than other scholars of the time, includ-
ing Dawn, his remark also implies that on many issues Dashtak did
not have a specific view. Unlike Dawn, Dashtak was a mainstream
philosopher who held some distinctive views in response to the philo-
sophical challenges raised by contemporary thinkers. In most issues,
however, he relied on the works of Ibn Sn and Frb. Whereas in his
Ithbt al-wjib, he used the Fuss al-h ikam attributed to Frb,142 he
explicitly refers to Ibn Sns al-Shif as his main source in his most
extensive work, namely his H shiya al-jadda on Qshchs commentary
on T ss Tajrd al-itiqd.143 It is evident that Sadr al-Dn owned an
exquisite copy of al-Shif (containing its books of logic, physics and
metaphysics), copied by Mahmd b. Al al-Kshn in 718/13189.144
140
Ghiyth al-Dn in his own glosses on this commentary alludes to this work of
his father. See Barakat, Kitb-shins-i maktab-i falsaf-i Shrz, p. 133.
141
Dashtak, Kashf al-haqiq al-Muhammadiyya, Musannaft-i Ghiyth al-Dn,
vol. 2, p. 984.
142
The attribution of this work to Frb is doubted by some modern scholars; see
Shlomo Pines, Ibn Sn et lauteur de la Rislat al-fuss f l-hikma: Quelques donnes
du problme, The Collected Works of Shlomo Pines, iii (ed. Sarah Stroumsa), Jerusalem
1996, pp. 297300. Dashtak, however, regards the work as Frbs.
143
See Dashtaks H shiya al Sharh Jadd Tajrd al-itiqd, MS Ftih 3025, f. 1b,
where he says that apart from his own contribution, his glosses contain m wujida
min kutub al-qawm l siyyam Kitb al-Shif.
144
The manuscript is preserved nowadays in the Raza library of Rampur (MS Raza
h ikmat 112); see Cat., vol. 1, p. 397. After Sadr al-Dns death, his son Ghiyth al-Dn,
followed by his grandson Sadr al-Dn II, and eventually another member of the family,
Fath Allh al-Shrz, owned the manuscript. It was presumably the latter who took
it to India. I thank Sajjad H. Rizvi for having drawn my attention to this manuscript.
24 introduction
145
In one occasion in his commentary on Nasr al-Dn al-T ss Tajrd al-Itiqd,
Nayrz refers to this specific recension of Ibn Sns Shif by saying what is known
to us from al-Shif on the basis of the manuscript of my teacher (m ulima min
al-Shif wa-nuskhat ustdhin); see MS Majlis 3968, f. 205a:24.
146
MS Majlis 3944. The ownership statement of Sadr al-Dn can be found in the
front page of the manuscript.
147
According to Takprzde, Muzaffar al-Dn studied the Geometry of Euclid
with Sadr al-Dn. See his E-aqiq En-Nomnijje, p. 215.
148
See Taq al-Dn Frs, Fard Qsiml, Dnishnma-yi jahn-i Islm, vol. 6,
pp. 8802, esp. p. 881.
149
On Ghiyth al-Dn Mansr al-Dashtak, see Harun Anay, Mir Giyathedden
Mansur Trkiye Diyanet Vakfi Islam Ansiklopedisi, vol. 30, Istanbul 2005, pp. 1278;
Barakat, Kitb-shins-i maktab-i falsaf-i Shrz, pp. 11370; Kky, shiny b
maktab-i Shrz: Mr Ghiyth al-Dn Mansr Dashtak Shrz (1), Khiradnma-yi
Sadra, 5&6 (19978), pp. 8390; Ghiyth al-Dn al-Dashtak, Musannaft-i Ghiyth
al-Dn.
150
The date of birth is reported from Sadr al-Dn II, the son of Ghiyth al-Dn
al-Dashtak. See MS Majlis-i Sin 32 (front page, f. 3a).
151
Ghiyth al-Dn composed at least four works on medicine: 1) Malim al-Shif;
2) al-Shfiyya; 3) H shiya al-Shfiyya; 4) Tarjumat al-Shfiyya. See Barakat, Kitb-
shins-i maktab-i falsaf-i Shrz, pp. 137, 1523, 167.
introduction 25
152
As mentioned earlier, apart from the writings of Ibn Sn, Fuss al-h ikam attrib-
uted to Frb is also one of the prominent sources of Sadr al-Dn, particularly in his
Ithbt al-wjib. See above, p. 23, fn. 142.
153
The impact of Suhraward on Ghiyth al-Dn al-Dashtaks thought is evi-
dent from the latters supercommentary on Dawns commentary on Suhrawards
Haykil al-nr, entitled Ishrq Haykil al-nr li-kashf zulumt Shawkil al-gharr.
Ghiyth al-Dn also adopts some Suhrawardian terminology in his Mirt al-h aqiq
wa-mujl al-daqiq. See Ghiyth al-Dn al-Dashtak, Mirt al-h aqiq wa-mujl
al-daqiq, Musannaft-i Ghiyth al-Dn, vol. 1, pp. 75132. The impact of Ibn Arabs
thought on Ghiyth al-Dn is evident from his commentary on Dawns al-Zawr .
On this work see below, p. 29, fn. 180.
154
Shshtar, Majlis al-muminn, vol. 2, p. 231. Unfortunately this work of Ghiyth
al-Dn al-Dashtak seems to be lost.
155
Ghiyth al-Dn al-Dashtak, Ishrq haykil al-nr li-kashf zulumt Shawkil
al-gharr, ed. Al Awjab, Tehran 1382/2003. In his Mirt al-h aqiq wa-mujl
al-daqiq Ghiyth al-Dn refers to this work. See Musannaft-i Ghiyth al-Dn, vol.
1, p. 99. This shows that it had been completed before Mirt al-haqiq which was
completed in 895/14951.
156
In the edition of Mirt al-haqiq (Musannaft-i Ghiyth al-Dn, vol. 1, p. 76),
the name of the patron is mentioned in the introduction as al-sultn b. sultn Ghiyth
al-saltana wa-l-duny wa-l-dn, Ab l-Muzaffar Bahdur khn. These are the titles used
for Sultn Ahmad at that time. See for instance Sadr al-Dn al-Dashtaks introduction
to his Ithbt al-wjib, dedicated to the same Sultan (MS ehid Ali Paa 2761, f. 89b).
26 introduction
157
According to the author, the work was first written in 895/1490 and five years later
he made some additions to it. See Mirt al-haqiq wa-mujl al-daqiq, Musannaft-i
Ghiyth al-Dn, vol. 1, p. 97.
158
MS Marash 9698, Cat., vol. 25, p. 62. The way the author refers to his father in
this text shows that the work was written while his father was still alive. Cf. Barakat,
Kitb-shins-i maktab-i falsaf-i Shrz, pp. 1256.
159
MS Dnishgh 1147, ff. 35b62a (Cat., vol. 3 (6), p. 2356). The way the author
refers to his father in this text shows that the work was written while the latter was
still alive. Cf. Barakat, Kitb-shins-i maktab-i falsaf-i Shrz, pp. 1689.
160
See below, p. 41.
161
See Fard Qsiml, Taq al-Dn Frs, p. 881.
162
See below, pp. 546.
163
See Barakat, Kitb-shins-i maktab-i falsaf-i Shrz, pp. 1502.
164
See Fasy, Frs-nma, p. 370.
introduction 27
165
See Abd al-H usayn H ir, Fihrist-i kitbkhna-yi Majlis-i shr-yi Islm, vol.
10 (4), Tehran 1352/1973, pp. 17589 (MS Majlis 3774/2).
166
See Shshtar, Majlis al-muminn, vol. 2, p. 232. This work seems to be lost.
167
See Shshtar, Majlis al-muminn, vol. 2, p. 233.
168
See Qumm, Khulsat al-tawrkh, vol. 1, pp. 149, 296. Rml, Ah san al-tawrkh,
p. 392.
169
See Barakat, Kitb-shins-i maktab-i falsaf-i Shrz, p. 152.
170
Part of the introduction to this work is quoted by Nrn in the introduction to
his collection of Ghiyth al-Dn Mansrs writings. See Ghiyth al-Dn al-Dashtak,
Musannaft-i Ghiyth al-Dn, vol. 1, pp. 1434. However, Nrn provides no infor-
mation about the location(s) of the manuscript(s) of this work and his quotaion does
not even help to know even the subject of the treatise.
28 introduction
171
See Fasy, Frs-nma-yi Nsir, pp. 1901. On Sayyid Nimat Allh al-H ill and
his disputes with Al al-Karak (d. 940/1534), see Rula Jurdi Abisaab, Converting Persia.
Religion and Power in the Safavid Empire, London 2004, p. 17.
172
On the location of the extant manuscripts of this treatise, see Barakat, Kitb-
shins-i maktab-i falsaf-i Shrz, pp. 1678.
173
On the conflict between Ghiyth al-Dn and Karak, see Fasy, Frs-nma-yi
Nsir, pp. 1901; see also Andrew Newman, Towards a Reconsideration of the Isfahan
School of Philosophy: Shaykh Bahai and the Role of the Safawid Ulama, Studia Iranica,
15 ii (1986), pp. 16599, esp. pp. 1815; idem, The Myth of the Clerical Migration
to the Safawid Iran. Arab Sh Opposition to Al al-Karak and Safawid Shiism, Die
Welt des Islams, 33 (1993), pp. 66112, esp. pp. 99101; Abisaab, Converting Persia,
pp. 179.
174
Fasy, Frs-nma-yi Nsir, pp. 1901. The exact date of his death is based
on a note written by one of his family members, Nizm al-Dn al-Dashtak, in the
front page of MS Majlis Sin 32 (containing a copy of Dashtaks Kashf al-h aqiq
al-Muh ammadiyya). Nizm al-Dn specifies that his source was Ghiyth al-Dns son
Sadr al-Dn Muhammad.
introduction 29
175
At the end of a copy of Kashf al-h aqiq al-Muh ammadiyya (MS Majlis Sin 32,
f. 115b), there is a note written by Ghiyth al-Dns son Sadr al-Dn Muhammad, which
states that his father was dictating (amlaa) the commentary to him.
176
H shiya al Unmdhaj al-ulm , MS Yeni Cami 1188, ff. 234a41b.
177
Talqa al h shya al Unmdhaj al-ulm, MS Yeni Cami 1188, ff. 241b7b. For
the location of other manuscripts of this work, see Barakat, Kitb-shins-i maktab-i
falsaf-i Shrz, p. 131.
178
For the edition of this work, see above, p. 25, fn. 155.
179
A manuscript of this work is preserved as MS Majlis 3423 (Cat., vol. 10 (3),
p. 1283).
180
A manuscript of this work is preserved in Istanbul (MS Ftih 5329). See Harun
Anay, Mir Giyatheddin Mansur, p. 127; Barakat, Kitb-shins-i maktab-i falsaf-i
Shrz, p. 144.
181
Part of this commentary, dealing with the liar paradox, has been edited; see
Dawzdah risla dar prduks-i durghg, ed. Ahad Farmarz Qarmalik with colabo-
ration of T ayyiba rif Niy, Tehran 1386/2007, pp. 159261. For the manuscripts of
this work, see Barakat, Kitb-shins-i maktab-i falsaf-i Shrz, pp. 1223. He also
wrote an evaluation of the views of his father and Dawn concerning soul and mat-
ter in their respective glosses on Qshchs commentary on Nasr al-Dn T ss Tajrd
al-itiqd. This set of glosses has been edited by Abd Allh Nrn in Musannaft-i
Ghiyth al-Dn, vol. 2, pp. 625731. Without specifying, Nurn mentions four sets of
glosses on Qshchs commentary on Nasr al-Dn al-T ss Tajrd al-aqid among
30 introduction
the writings of Ghiyth al-Dn. See his introduction to Musannaft-i Ghiyth al-Dn,
vol. 1, pp. 1045.
182
Ghiyth al-Dn al-Dashtak, H shiya al Mukhtasar al-muntah, MS Majlis 507,
ff. 97a138b (Cat., vol. 22, pp. 2001).
183
Harun Anay, Mir Giyatheddin Mansur, p. 127.
184
Ghiyth al-Dn al-Dashtak, H shiya al al-Shamsiyya, MS Majlis 507, ff. 82b3b
(Cat., vol. 22, pp. 2001).
185
Ed. Abd Allh Nrn in Musannaft-i Ghiyth al-Dn, vol. 2, pp. 375487.
186
In the introduction to this work, Ghiyth al-Dn asserts that apart from al-Shif,
he used the comments of Abu al-Abbs al-Lawkar. See the introduction to this work in
Ghiyth al-Dn al-Dashtak, Musannaft-i Ghiyth al-Dn, vol. 1, p. 135 (introduction).
Tadl al-mzn is the first part of a collection of treatises by Ghiyth al-Dn entitled
Riyd al-Ridwn. See below, pp. 301.
187
Edited by Nrn in Musannaft-i Ghiyth al-Dn Mansr, vol. 2, pp. 489518.
188
Edited by Nrn in Musannaft-i Ghiyth al-Dn Mansr, vol. 2, pp. 51990
(under the title H shiyat al-Ishrt).
189
This work has been edited twice: First by Qsim Kky (Maqmt al-rifn,
Andsha-yi dn, 1, 2 (Winter 19956), pp. 83144) and secondly by Abd Allh Nrn
in Musannaft-i Ghiyth al-Dn, vol. 1, pp. 20538. In the introduction to this work,
Ghiyth al-Dn states wa-hiya risla kammaltu bih arkn Riyd al-ridwn. See
Musannaft-i Ghiyth al-Dn, vol. 2, p. 208. On the sources used by Ghiyth al-Dn
in this work, see Nasrollah Pourjavady, Makhidh-i Ghiyth al-Dn-i Dashtak dar
Maqmt al-arifn, Ishrq u irfn, Tehran 1380, pp. 24862. According to N. Pourja-
vady, the type of mysticism presented in this treatise is Avicennan mysticism. Apart
from the Ishrt, Ghiyth al-Dn consulted Nasr al-Dn al-T ss Awsf al-Ashrf and
Suhrawards Kalimat al-tasawwuf while writing the Maqmt.
introduction 31
190
See Barakat, Kitb-shins-i maktab-i falsaf-i Shrz, pp. 12930.
191
See M. Taq Danishpazhh, Fihrist-i kitbkhna-yi ihdy q-yi Sayyid
Muh ammad Mishkt, Tehran 2535/1976, vol. iii/i, pp. 2189.
192
See Barakat, Kitb-shins-i maktab-i falsaf-i Shrz, pp. 12930.
193
Eds. Abd Allh Nrn & Pidrm Mrzy, Risla-yi Ard u qfiyya, Nme-yi
Farhangestn, supplement no. 1, 1375/1996. In his bibliography of Ghiyth al-Dn
al-Dashtak, Nrn mentions three more subjects discussed in this work: logic (mantiq),
arithmetic (h isb), and geometry (handasa). However, Nrn does not provide any
further information about the location of the extant manuscripts of these parts. See
Musannaft-i Ghiyth al-Dn, vol. 1, p. 106.
194
Ed. Abd Allh Nrn in Musannaft-i Ghiyth al-Dn, vol. 1, pp. 153204. For
the extant manuscripts of this work, see Barakat, Kitb-shins-i maktab-i falsaf-i
Shrz, pp. 13941.
195
The four extant parts of Matla al-irfn li-bayn marif al-tibyn have been
edited by Abd Allh Nrn in Musannaft-i Ghiyth al-Dn, vol. 1, pp. 297374. The
chapter on tafsr Srat al-Insn has also been edited by Parwn Bahrzda under the
title Tuh fat al-fat f tafsr Sra Hal At, Tehran 1381/2002.
196
According to Nrn, this work is the first part (rukn) of Riyd al-Ridwn. See
his introduction to Ghiyth al-Dn al-Dashtak, Musannaft-i Ghiyth al-Dn, vol. 1,
p. 106.
197
See above, p. 30.
198
See Abd Allh Nrns introduction to Ghiyth al-Dn al-Dashtak, Musannaft-i
Ghiyth al-Dn, vol. 1, p. 106. Takmilat al-Majist is al-manzar al-thlith min rukn
al-thlith min Riyd al-Ridwn. This shows that the corpus of this work consists of
several parts (arkn) each containing several chapters (manzir).
199
See Abd Allh Nrns introduction to Ghiyth al-Dn al-Dashtak, Musannaft-i
Ghiyth al-Dn, vol. 1, pp. 106, 13940. Without adducing any evidence, Nrn identi-
fies three more treatises of Ghiyth al-Dn as part of Riyd al-Ridwn: 1) Miyara l-irfn
32 introduction
V. Mr H usayn al-Maybud200
(d. 896/1491), the sadr of Sultan Yaqb, appointed Maybud the chief
judge of Yazd and made him responsible for matters relating to endow-
ment (waqf ) in that city.205
Aside from his occupation as qd, Maybud was during this period
teaching various subjects, including logic and geometry. That he was
teaching logic is indicated by one of the students of Maybud who com-
posed a treatise on the subject.206 Among the texts on logic that he may
have taught is the Risla al-Shamsiyya of Ktib, since he wrote a com-
mentary on this text.207 Moreover, in his Munshat Maybud explicitly
states that he taught geometry. He mentions that he was teaching most
of Nasr al-Dn al-T ss Tah rr usl al-handasa li-Iqldis to a certain
Muhammad Nakhjawn, and that at the request of the latter he wrote
glosses on this text.208 Sometime before Shabn 888/September 1483,
205
Dawn is said to have recommended Maybud to Qd s for that position.
Shshtar narrates a story which suggests the accidental nature of this appointment.
Maybud accordingly accompanied Dawn on his journey from Shiraz to the court of
Sultan Yaqb in Tabriz, which took place sometime after 883/1478. There, Maybud
found an opportunity to display his mastery in scientific debate. Once, in a majlis of
Sultan Yaqb, a dispute occured between Dawn and a gifted scholar by the name of
Ab Ishq al-Nayrz. Dawn was rightly rejecting his arguments but his opponent was
a master of rhetoric and by violating the rules of disputation, he nearly defeated Dawn.
Sitting at the lower side of the majlis, Maybud could not bear to see the humiliation of
his master and asked permission to take part in the disputation on behalf of Dawn.
From that moment, whenever Ab Ish q violated any of the rules of disputation,
Maybud drew attention to it and prevented him from changing the subject. Eventually,
Maybuds arguments convinced everyone in the majlis. The vizier of Sultan Yaqb,
Qd Saf al-Dn s, asked Dawn about Maybud. Dawn introduced him as one of
the notables of Yazd (az buzurg-zda-h-yi Yazd ast). Subsequently, following Dawns
request, Maybud was appointed judge of Yazd and became responsible for the issues
related to endowment (waqf ) in that city. See Shshtar, Majlis al-Muminn, vol. 2,
pp. 2212. Dunietz has rightly doubted the correctness of this account. See Whelan
Dunietz, Qd H usayn Maybud of Yazd, pp. 1135.
206
The author of Risla fi Tah qq slibat al-mah ml preserved in MS Dnishgh 3430
mentions that he studied logic with Maybud. See H asan Rahmn & Sayyid Ibrhm
Ashk Shrns introduction to their editions of Maybuds Sharh -i Dwn-i mansb bi
Amr al-muminn Al b. Ab T lib, p. 45.
207
See Mr H usayn al-Maybud, Sharh al-Shamsiyya, Lithograph Edition, Istanbul
Shabn 1289/October 1871. Without referring to her source, Dunietz mentions the
date of completion of this commentary as 886/14812. See Whelan Dunietz, Qd
H usayn Maybud of Yazd, p. 55.
208
See Munshat-i Maybud, ed. Nusrat Allh Furhar, Tehran 1376/1997, pp. 723.
For the extant manuscripts of this work, see H asan Rahmn & Sayyid Ibrhm Ashk
Shrns introduction to their edition of Maybuds Sharh -i Dwn-i mansb bi Amr
al-muminn Al b. Ab T lib, pp. 412.
34 introduction
209
This work must have been written before 5 Shabn 888/8 September 1483, the
date on which one of its manuscripts was completed (MS Majlis 1918, pp. 20513; Cat.,
vol. 5, pp. 4101). See H asan Rahmn & Sayyid Ibrhm Ashk Shrns introduction
to their editions of Maybuds Sharh -i Dwn-i mansb bi Amr al-muminn Al b.
Ab T lib, pp. 434.
210
Eds. H asan Rah mn & Sayyid Ibrhm Ashk Shrn, under the title Sharh -i
Dwn-i mansb bi Amr al-muminn Al b. Ab T lib. For the study of this work see
Whelan Dunietz, Qd H usayn Maybud of Yazd, pp. 65112.
211
Maybud, Sharh -i Dwn-i mansb bi Amr al-muminn Al b. Ab T lib,
pp. 1314, 268.
212
On Ibn Arabs school of thought, see William C. Chittick, The School of Ibn
Arab, in History of Islamic Philosophy, eds. Seyyed Hossein Nasr & Oliver Leaman,
London 1996, vol. 1, pp. 51023; Alexander Knysh, Ibn Arabi in the Later Islamic
Tradition: The Making of a Polemical Image in Medieval Islam, New York 1999.
introduction 35
213
See Maybud, Munsht-i Maybud, pp. 1357; cf. Whelan Dunietz, Qd H usayn
Maybud of Yazd, p. 125.
214
Whelan Dunietz, Qd H usayn Maybud of Yazd, pp. 136175.
215
In his correspondence with a certain Muhammad T lish, he implied that he no
longer holds a position. See Maybud, Munshat-i Maybud, pp. 1212.
216
Originally in Persian, this work has been edited by Abd Allh Nrn, Tah qqt-i
Islm, 1 I (1365/1986), pp. 93112. In 1641, it was published as a bilinqual text (Arabic-
Latin) under the title: Mukhtasar maqsid h ikmat falsifat al-arab al-musamm Jm-i
gti-num. Synopsis Propositorvm sapienti Arabum philosophorum inscripta Speculum
mundum representans. According to Daiber, this book is the first Muslim philosophical
text ever published in Europe; see Daiber, Bibliography of Islamic Philosophy, Leiden
1999, vol. 1, pp. 6289, no. 6147. The editior of the original Persian text, Abd Allh
Nrn, did not mention the manuscript(s) he used and by collating the edited text
with its Arabic translation published by Ecchellensis in 1641 it became clear to the
present author that Nrns edition had some significant lacunae throughout the text.
For the manuscripts of this work which are preserved in Iran, see Ahmad Munzaw,
Fihristwra-yi kitbh-yi frs, 6, Tehran 1381/2002, pp. 1201. Jm-i gt-num seems
to be the last philosophical work of Maybud. For other works of his, see Maybud,
Sharh -i Dwn-i mansb bi Amr al-muminn Al b. Ab T lib, pp. s u hasht-chihil
u panj (introduction).
217
See Mr H usayn Maybud, Munshat-i Maybud, p. 119; On the Nrbahkshiyya,
see Shahzad Bashir, After the Messiah: The Nrbakhshiyyeh in Late Timurid and
Early Safavid Times, Society and Culture in the Early Modern Middle East. Studies on
Iran in the Safavid Period, ed. Andrew J. Newman, Leiden 2003, pp. 295313; idem,
Messianic hopes and mystical visions: The Nurbakhshiya between medieval and modern
Islam, South Carolina 2003.
36 introduction
218
See Maybud, Jm-i gt-num, ed. Abd Allh Nrn, pp. 9596. Referring to
Qsim as prince (shhzdah), Maybud in the introduction to this work implied that
he would attend the majlis of Qsim from time to time. Ibid., p. 95.
219
Mr H usayn Maybud, Munshat-i Maybud, pp. 823. On Shams al-Dn al-Lhj
see A. H. Zarrnkb, Lahdj, The Encyclopaedia of Islam (New Edition), vol. 5, pp.
6035.
220
Maybud, Sharh -i Dwn-i mansb bi Amr al-muminn Al b. Ab T lib,
p. 30.
221
Qumm, Khulsat al-tawrkh, vol. 1, p. 84.
222
See Dimitri Gutas, The study of Arabic philosophy in the twentieth century,
British Journal of Middle Eastern Studies, 29 i (2002), pp. 515, p. 7. Gutas does not
specify to which Dashtak he is referring.
223
Maybud, Sharh -i Dwn-i mansb bi Amr al-muminn Al b. Ab T lib,
p. 12.
224
See Maybud, Jm-i gt-num, ed. Abd Allh Nrn, p. 111; On Maybuds
discussion of Ibn Sns view on bodily resurrection, see below, p. 62, fn. 88.
225
See Maybuds Sharh -i Dwn-i mansb bi Amr al-muminn Al b. Ab T lib,
p. 12.
introduction 37
226
Maybud, Sharh -i Dwn-i mansb bi Amr al-muminn Al b. Ab T lib,
p. 23.
227
On Shams al-Dn Muhammad al-Khafr, see George Saliba, A Redevelopment
of Mathematics in a Sixteenth-Century Arabic Critique of Ptolemaic Astronomy, in
Perspectives arabes et mdivales sur la tradition scientifique et philosophique grecque,
Actes du colloque de la SIHSPAI (Socit internationale dhistoire des sciences et de la
philosophie arabes et islamiques), Paris, 31 mars-3 avril 1993, eds. Ahmad Hasnawi,
Abdelali Elamrani-Jamal and Maroun Aouad, Leuven/Paris 1997, pp. 10522; idem,
The Ultimate Challenge to Greek Astronomy. Hall m l yanh all of Shams al-Khafr
(d. 1550), in Sic itur ad astra. Studien zur Geschichte der Mathematik und Natur-
wissenschaften. Festschrift fr den Arabisten Paul Kunitzsch zum 70. Geburtstag, eds.
Menso Folkerts and Richard Lorch, Wiesbaden 2000, pp. 490505; Kky, shny
b maktab-i Shrz: Muh aqqiq-i Khafr, Khiradnma-yi Sadr, 4 (1375/1996),
pp. 719; Frzah Satchiyn, Shams al-Dn Muhammad ibn Ahmad Khafr. Faylasf
u munajjim-i nmdr-i maktab-i Shirz, Kitb-i mh-i falsafa, 13 (1387/2008),
pp. 69103; eadem, Muarrif-yi panj risla-yi Khafr dar elhiyyt u ithbt-i wjib,
Marif, 20 ii (1382/2003), pp. 98111; Shams al-Dn al-Khafr, Talqa bar sharh -i
ilhiyyt-i Tajrd al-itiqd-i mull Al Qshch, ed. Frzah Satchiyn, Tehran
1382/20034; idem, Martib al-wujd, ed. Reza Pourjavady, Dard-i falsafa dars-i
falsafa. Jashn-nma-yi ustd duktur Karm-i Mujtahid, eds. Muhammad Raszdah,
Bbak Abbs, Muhammad Mansr Hshim, Tehran 1384/2005, pp. 23957.
38 introduction
228
Shshtar, Majlis al-muminn, vol. 2, p. 233.
229
In his Martib al-wujd (p. 247), Khafr describes himself as al-Khafr mawli-
dan.
230
On the date of completion of this work, see Muhammad Karm Ishrq, Buzurgn-i
Jahrum, Tehran 1351/1972, p. 285. For a study of this work, see George Saliba, The
Ultimate Challenge to Greek Astronomy. Hall m l yanh all of Shams al-Khafr
(d. 1550), pp. 4912.
231
See below, p. 84. Ibrat al-fudal has been edited by Ahad Farmarz Qarmalik,
Khiradnma-yi Sadr, 1, 4 pp. 869. The edition is reprinted in Dawzdah risla dar
prduks-i durghg, ed. Farmarz Qarmalik in collaboration with T ayyiba rif
Niy, pp. 2659. Khafr later wrote another treatise on the same issue entitled H ayrat
al-fudal f h all shubhat jadhr al-asamm. This work has also been edited by Ahad
Farmarz Qarmalik in collaboration with T ayyiba rif Niy in Dawzdah risla dar
prduks-i durghg, pp. 265309.
232
On this work, see Frzah Satchiyn, Muarrif-yi panj risla-yi Khafr dar
elhiyyt u ithbt-i wjib, pp. 1057.
233
See Shshtar, Majlis al-muminn, vol. 2, p. 234; Khwnsr, Rawdt al-jannt,
vol. 7, p. 196. Saliba doubts the correctness of these reports, arguing that at that time
the religious persuasion was not always obvious. See his A Redevelopment of Math-
ematics in a Sixteen-Century Arabic Critique of Ptolemaic Astronomy, pp. 1134.
234
See Khr Shh b. Qubd al-H usayn, Trkh-i Ilchi Nizm Shh, eds. Muhammad
Rid Nasr & Koichi Haneda, Tehran 1379/2000, p. 60. Amr Sayyid Sharf al-Shraz
introduction 39
was one of the grandsons of Mr Sayyid al-Sharf al-Jurjn. He was killed in the battle
of Chldirn on 2 Rajab 920/23 August 1514. See Rml, pp. 145, 167, 195, 199200.
235
Khafr, Martib al-wujd, p. 247.
236
The date of his death is given in one of the manuscripts of Khafrs Muntah
l-idrk f madrak al-aflk (see Ishrq, pp. 275, 2856). However, gh Buzurg al-T ihrn
(and following him Saliba) gives as his date of death 28 Safar 957/17 March 1550. That
date would extend Khafrs career to sixty years and therefore is unlikely to be correct.
237
The letter of Shah T hir to Khafr is preserved in MS Danishgh 2591; cf. Ishrq,
Buzurgn-i Jahrum, p. 276; Kky, shny b maktab-i Shrz: Muhaqqiq-i Khafr,
pp. 719, esp. p. 78.
238
Khwndamr, Trkh-i H abb al-siyar, vol 4, p. 611. If this report is correct, it
must be assumed that the Arbaniyyt had been dedicated at different occasions to
both Shh Isml and Ahmad Khn Krkiy, the ruler of Gln, as the extant version
of Arbaniyyt preserved in MS Majlis 706 (6b80a, Cat., vol. 23, p. 20) is dedicated
to the latter (see f. 6b).
239
For a study on this work, see George Saliba, A Sixteenth-Century Arabic Critique
of Ptolemaic Astronomy: The Work of Shams al-Din al-Khafr, Journal for the History
of Astronomy, 25 (1994), pp. 1538.
40 introduction
240
This idea has been explored in Khafrs Risla dar Martib al-wujd, and in his
Tafsr yat al-kurs. For his discussion in the latter work, see Shams al-Dn al-Khafr,
Tafsr yat al-kurs, ed. Al Awjab, Ganijna-yi Bahristn. Ulm-i riwy u Qurn-1,
ed. Sayyid Mahd Jahrum, Tehran 1380/2001, pp. 12087.
241
Khafr wrote an independent treatise on the issue entitled Risla f tah qq
al-hayl. See MS Majlis 706. He also discussed this issue in his glosses on
Qutb al-Dn al-Rzs commentary on Ibn Sns al-Ishrt wa-l-tanbht. See Shams
al-Dn al-Khafr, H shiya al al-Muh kamt bayna sharh ay al-Ishrt, ed. Abd
Allh Nrn, Ganijna-yi Bahristn. H ikmat-2, ed. Al Awjab, Tehran 1387/2008,
pp. 13399, esp. pp. 18693.
242
See Satchiyn, Muarrif-yi panj risla-yi Khafr dar elhiyyt u ithbt-i wjib,
pp. 1025.
243
See above, p. 38, fn. 232.
244
See Satchiyn, Muarrif-yi panj risla-yi Khafr dar ilhiyyt wa ithbt al-wjib,
pp. 108110.
245
Ed. Muhammad Taq Dnishpazhh, Risla f ithbt al-wjib, Jwdn khirad,
(Autumn 1354/1975), pp. 426.
246
See Satchiyn, Muarrif-yi panj risla-yi Khafr dar ilhiyyt wa ithbt al-wjib,
pp. 100102.
247
Ed. Satchiyn, under the title: Talqa bar sharh -i ilhiyyt-i Tajrd al-itiqd-i
mull Al Qshch. For other works of Khafr and the location of their extant manus-
cipts, see Barakat, Kitb-shins-i maktab-i falsaf-i Shrz, pp. 17297.
introduction 41
248
On Kaml al-Dn H usayn al-Ilh al-Ardabl, see Najb Myil Hiraw, Ilh-i
Ardabl, Dirat al-marif-i buzurg-i Islm, vol. 10, pp. 1114; Barakat, Kitb-
shins-yi maktab-i falsaf-i Shrz, pp. 2346; Mrz Abd Allh al-Afand al-Isbahn,
Riyd al-ulam, vol. 2, pp. 98108. Ilh Ardabl, Sharh - i Gulshan-i rz, ed.
Muhammad Rid Barzigar Khliq & Iffat Karbs, Tehran 1376/199798, (introduc-
tion) pp. bist u shash-s u nuh.
249
In his ijza to Ilh, At Allh al-H usayn refers to his father with these titles
(see Mrz Abd Allh al-Afand al-Isbahn, Riyd al-ulam, vol. 2, pp. 1045).
250
See al-Afand al-Isbahn, Riyd al-ulam, vol. 2, p. 98.
251
Sultn H aydar was active in the rawda of Saf al-Dn in Ardabl. On Sult n
H aydar, see Michel M. Mazzaoui, The Origins of the Safawids, Wiesbaden 1972, pp.
7182.
252
See al-Afand al-Isbahn, Riyd al-ulam, vol. 2, p. 99; Sm Mrz Safaw,
Tadhkira-yi Tuh fa-yi Sm, pp. 778.
253
See al-Afand al-Isbahn, Riyd al-ulam, vol. 2, pp. 1034; Jall al-Dn
al-Dawn & Isml al-Khwjy al-Isfahn, Sab rasil, ed. Sayyid Ahmad Tysirkn,
introduction of the editor, pp. 224.
254
See al-Afand al-Isbahn, Riyd al-ulam, vol. 2, p. 99; Sm Mrz Safaw,
Tadhkira-yi Tuh fa-yi Sm, pp. 778.
255
See al-Afand al-Isbahn, Riyd al-ulam, vol. 2, pp. 1047.
42 introduction
256
See al-Afand al-Isbahn, Riyd al-ulam, vol. 2, p. 102.
257
These glosses are preserved in MSS Malik 1830 (Cat., vol. 5, p. 375), Dnishgh
4111 (Cat., vol. 13, p. 309), Marash 11773 (Cat., vol. 29, pp. 5746). Cf. also Kashf
al-zunn, vol. 2, p. 1064.
258
On the date of the completion of this work, see Ilh Ardabl, Sharh -i Gulshan-i
rz, the editors introduction, p. 21. Ilh Ardabls introduction to his Sharh -i Gulshan-
i rz was later transmitted as an independent work with the title Kashf al-asrr. See
the editors introduction to Sharh -i Gulshan-i rz, p. 29. Najb Myil Hiraw edited
this introduction independently. See Majma rasil-i khatt -yi frs, 1, Mashhad
1368/198990, pp. 15167. On the manuscripts of Kashf al-asrr see Ahmad Munzaw,
Fihristwra-yi kitbh-yi frs, Tehran 1382/2003, vol. 7, p. 745.
259
Lhj must have completed his sharh , entitled Mafth al-ijz f sharh Gulshan-i
rz, by 882/14778, since the oldest known manuscript of this work (MS Gawharshd
351) is completed in this year. See Shams al-Dn Muhammad Lhj, Mafth al-ijz f
sharh Gulshan-i rz, eds. Muhammad Rid Barzigar Khliq & Iffat Karbs, Tehran
1371/1992, pp. hafd-u yak (introduction), 603.
260
See al-Afand al-Isbahn, Riyd al-ulam, vol. 2, pp. 1023. The date of author-
ship of this work is said to be the numerical value of Khulsa fiqh, which is 911; In
his entry on Ilh-i Ardabl to Dirat al-marif-i buzurg-i Islm (vol. 10, p. 111),
Najb Myil Hiraw calculates this date as 942, which cannot be correct, as the work
is dedicated to Shah Isml.
261
See Barakat, Kitb-shins-i maktab-i falsaf-i Shrz, p. 236.
262
See al-Dhara, vol. 9, p. 92.
introduction 43
263
See al-Dhara, vol. 2, p. 324.
264
See al-Afand Isbahn, Riyd al-ulam, vol. 2, p. 103.
265
See Mahmd Afshta, Niqwat al-thr f dhikr al-akhyr, ed. Ihsn Ishrq,
Tehran 1373/19945, p. 183.
266
It is said that Mr Nimat Allh al-Jazir, the vizier of Shah T ahmsb, who
was against the view of Karak on that issue, collected fatws of several scholars,
among them Ilh, to support his own view. See Qumm, Khulsat al-tawrkh, vol. 1,
p. 237; Rml, Ah san al-tawrkh, ed. Abd al-H usay Nawy, Tehran 1357/19789,
pp. 3334. Generally on the Friday congregational prayer, see Abisaab, Converting
Persia, pp. 202.
267
See al-Afand Isfahn, Riyd al-ulam, vol. 2, pp. 99, 101; Sm Mrza Safaw,
Tuh fa-yi Sm, pp. 778.
268
This ijza was available to al-Afand al-Isbahn, who incorporated the list of Ilhs
writings in his bibliographical dictionary. See his Riyd al-ulam, vol. 2, pp. 1012.
269
See Barakat, Kitb-shins-i maktab-i falsaf-i Shrz, pp. 235; H jj Khalfa, Kashf
al-zunn an asm al-kutub wa-l-funn, vol. 1, p. 253.
270
Four manuscripts of this work have been so far identified: MSS Marash 5007
(Cat., vol. 13, p. 203), Ridaw 80 (Cat., vol. 1, p. 92), Majlis 1762 (Cat., vol. 5, p. 141),
Majlis 1763 (Cat., vol. 5, p. 142). See Barakat, Kitb-shins-i Maktab-i falsaf-i Shrz,
pp. 23435.
44 introduction
1
H jj Khalfa, Kashf al-zunn an asm al-kutub wa-l-funn, Tehran 1387/1967,
vol. 1, p. 842.
2
H jj Khalfas quotation runs as follows:
.
Only the first part (here in color) is taken from Dawns al-Risla al-jadda, whereas
the remainder of the sentence is an abbreviation taken from the commentary of
Nayrz. The exact wording in Dawns and Nayrzs original is as follows:
[: ]
[: ] .
46 chapter one
.
3
See Nayrz, Sharh Rislat Ithbt al-wjib al-jadda, MS ehid Ali 2761, ff. 4b-5a.
4
See Hellmut Ritter, Philologika IX. Die vier Suhraward, Ihre Werke in Stambuler
Handschriften, Der Islam 24 (1937), p. 271. In the manuscript itself the commentator
mentions his name only once in the introduction (f. 1b:134), stating yaql al-rj
rah mat rabbihi al-ghan al-wadd, Ibn Muh ammad al-Nayrz, H jj Mah md . . ..
Ritter evidently misread this.
5
Ritter adduced the two colophons of the MS Ragip 853 (ff. 276a, 272a) for the
following information: Als er ihn am 5. Rab II 930 beendete, standen Jupiter und
Venus in Konjunktion in den Fischen. Spter fand er in einer anderen Handschrift
des Werkes noch Zustze des Autors und verfasste auch dazu einen Kommentar (arh
dayl al-kitb). Als er diesen beendete, im Jahre 932h, standen die beiden Glcksplane-
ten nummehr in den Zwillingen. Ritter, Philologika IX. Die vier Suhraward, p. 271.
6
Ibid., pp. 2778 no. 16.
7
Ibid., p. 277, fn. 1: Vielleicht ist der 903 umgekommene Herrscher der Wei-
Schafe gemeint.
the philosopher al-nayrz 47
8
Ritter also mentions that the scribe attributes to the author of the commentary
glosses on Qd Mr H usayn al-Maybuds commentary on Athr al-Dn al-Abhars
Hidyat al-h ikma. This information is incorrect. Nayrz did not write glosses on
Maybuds commentary on Hidyat al-h ikma, but rather a commentary on Abhars
Hidyat al-h ikma. On this work see below, pp. 1114.
9
Due to technical problems, the 25 volumes of al-Dhara il tasnf al-sha were
published with years of delay and it was only in 1977 that the publication of the whole
work was completed. According to Etan Kohlberg, some volumes came out as early
as 1918 (see his al-D ara el tasnf al-a, Encyclopaedia Iranica, vol. 7, pp. 356.).
However, Brockelmann dates the first volume in 1355/1936, which seems to be more
plausible, as gh Buzurg there refers to the first volume of the catalogue of the library
of the shrine of Imam Rid, published in 1926. See below, p. 48.
10
See gh Burzug al-T ihrn, al-Dhara il tasnf al-sha 125, Beirut 1403
6/19836, vol. 3, p. 354 (no. 1278), vol. 13, pp. 1401 (no. 469).
11
Dhara, vol. 6, p. 54 (no. 271), vol. 13, p. 163 (no. 555).
12
Dhara, vol. 14, pp. 1756 (no. 2059).
13
Dhara, vol. 2, pp. 4067 (no. 1627), vol. 6, p. 26 (no. 102).
14
Dhara, vol. 7, pp. 767 (no. 409).
15
On Sayyid Nasr Allh Taqaw, see Ruqayya Rasl, Taqaw, Dnishnma-yi
jahn-i Islm, vol. 7, pp. 8067.
48 chapter one
16
On the works of the codex specified by gh Burzurg, see below, pp. 1934
(Appendix II: Philosophical Writings Copied by Nayrz).
17
See also below, p. 54, fn. 45.
18
See Carl Brockelmann, Geschichte der arabischen Litteratur, Leiden 19439,
vol. 1, p. 782.
19
See Carl Brockelmann, Geschichte der arabischen Litteratur. Supplementbnde,
Leiden 193742, vol. 1, p. 303. By Mashhad is meant the library of the shrine of Imam
Rid, nowadays known as stn-i Quds-i Radaw.
20
See Brockelmann, Geschichte der arabischen Litteratur. Supplementbnde, vol. 1,
p. 307. This information is taken from the first volume of the catalogue of the library
of the shrine of Imam Rid, published in 1305/1926.
21
The original note by Brockelmann is as follows: Dhara I, 103/4, 509, 108,
527, wo Mahmd b. M. b. Mahmd an-Nairz (statt Tibrz des Cat.), Schler des
the philosopher al-nayrz 49
of the two names as referring to two different persons and to glean the
relevant missing links from gh Burzurgs Dhara that could have
enabled him to draw the correct conclusions.26
In 1976 Corbin delivered a lecture in Tehran entitled Trois philos-
ophes dAzerbajan. The text of this lecture became one of the chapters
of his Philosophie iranienne et philosophie compare, which he pub-
lished in the same year.27 By trois philosophes dAzerbajan Corbin
meant Shihb al-Dn al-Suhraward, Vadd Tabrz, and Rajab Al
al-Tabrz (1080/166970). On the basis of the passages of the com-
mentary which he had translated earlier in his LArchange empour-
pr, Corbin tried to establish Wadd al-Tabrz as a follower of
Suhraward and in so doing reminded his readers that Wadd came
from Tabriz in Azerbaijan, the region that had produced Suhraward
himself.28
The next scholar to whom reference should be made is Muhammad
Taq Dnishpazhh (d. 1375/1996). In the introduction to his edi-
tion of Ibn al-Muqaffas (d. ca. 142/759) al-Mantiq and Ibn Bihrzs
(fl. 200/816) H udd al-mantiq, published in 1978, Dnishpazhh pro-
vides a list of Arab and Persian logicians and their works in which ref-
erence is made to Jaml al-Dn Mahmd b. Muhammad b. Mahmd
al-Nayrz.29 The works of Nayrz he mentions are those that had
been listed by gh Buzurg, yet Dnishpazhh provides more detailed
information on the location of some of the manuscripts. In addition,
he lists four additional titles, namely: (i) a commentary on Nasr al-Dn
26
In LArchange empourpr (p. 94), Corbin writes: Wadd Tabrz, inconnu par
ailleurs, nous apprend quil avait lui-mme galement comment le Livre de la
Thosophie orientale; cf. Philosophie iranienne et philosophie compare, Tehran 1977
[reprinted Tehran 2003], p. 95. Moreover, here it is clear that he assumes Nayrzs
glosses on H ikmat al-ishrq to be lost.
27
See Corbin, Philosophie iranienne et philosophie compare, Paris 1976, p. 84
(footnote).
28
Corbin states: Mais il faut nous limiter ce soir au bref rendez-vous que nous
avons donn un autre Ishrq de lAzerbadjan, rendez-vous dautant plus impor-
tant que notre interlocuteur est rest peu prs inconnu jusquici. Son nom: Vadd
Tabrz. (Philosophie iranienne et philosophie compare, p. 94). Corbins emphasis
on Wadd being originally from Azerbaijan can be traced in his LArchange empour-
pr, where he says: Il est fort plausible que des hommes dAzerbadjan comme
notre Shaykh al-Ishrq et son commentateur Wadd Tabrz, aient eu sur place des
entretiens avec des thologiens chrtiens, et lon sait laffinit du nestorianisme avec
le christianisme judo-chrtien primitif (pp. 9596).
29
See Muhammad Taq Dnishpazhh (ed.), al-Mantiq li-Ibn Muqaffa. H udd
al-mantiq li-Ibn Bihrz, Tehran 1357/1978, pp. panjh u sa-panjh u panj.
the philosopher al-nayrz 51
30
Nayrzs commentary on Nasr al-Dn al-T ss Tajrd al-itiqd was first men-
tioned by Muhammad Taq Mudarris Ridaw in his Ah wl u thr-i Khwja Nasr
al-Dn-i T s (Tehran 1334/195556, p. 430). Dnishpazhh refers to Abd al-H usayn
H ir, Fihrist-i Kitbkhna-yi Majlis-i Shr-yi Mill, Tehran 1352/1973, vol. 10 iv,
pp. 21069.
31
See Dnishpazhh (ed.), al-Mantiq li-Ibn Muqaffa. H udd al-mantiq li-Ibn
Bihrz, pp. panjh u sa-panjh u chahr. Dnishpazhh also suggested that Risla f
Bayn man al-qadiyya wa-l-tasdq, a work which is included in MS Malik 2614 and
copied by the same scribe as Nayrzs Risla f Tayn jiht al-ajsm, might also be by
Nayrz. I examined this manuscript and found no reason to justify this attribution.
32
The only two extant manuscripts of this work are MSS Ridaw 12297 and
Mahdaw 282. See the introduction to my critical edition of this treatise (Marif 19
iii (Isfand 1381/March 2003), pp. 88106), p. 99.
33
In the colophon of MS Dnishgh 4559, which is a copy of Dawns second
set of glosses on Jurjns glosses on Qutb al-Dn al-Rzs commentary on Urmaws
Matli al-anwr transcribed from a copy written by the hand of Khwja Jaml al-Dn
Mahmd, the full name of the latter is given as Mahmd b. Yaqb b. Muhammad b.
Yaqb b. Sayf al-Dn Yahy al-Salmn al-Slihn (Cat., vol. 13, pp. 349899). Jaml
al-Dn Mahmd al-Shrz is said to have studied with Jall al-Dn al-Dawn and
Ghiyth al-Dn Mansr al-Dashtak. He then taught in Isfahan and later on in Shiraz
(see Abd al-Nab al-Qazwn, Tatmm Amal al-mil, ed. Sayyid Ahmad al-H usayn,
Qum 1407/198687, pp. 100101). His extant works are: (1) glosses on Dawns
Rislat Ithbt al-wjib al-jadda (MS Majlis 4001 (Cat., vol. 11, p. 1)), (2) glosses on
Dawns al-H shya al-qadma al l-sharh al-jadd li-Tajrd al-itiqd (MS Marash
5596 (Cat., vol. 14, p. 363)), (3) Khalq al-aml (MS Marash 2564/13 (Cat., vol. 7, p.
155)), (4) glosses on Dawns al-H shya al sharh al-Matli (MS Awqf Baghdd
13529/2 (Cat., vol. 2, pp. 13233)), (5) glosses on Dawns commentary on Taftzns
Tahdhb al-mantiq (MS Majlis 1937/4 (Cat., vol. 10 (4), p. 1936), and (6) Risla dar
Qidam u h udth-i ajsm (cf. Muhammad Barakat, Kitb-shins-i maktab-i falsaf-i
Shrz, pp. 206207). In his Tadhkira-yi haft iqlm, Amn Ahmad Rz mentions
the following as being among his students: Ahmad b. Muhammad al-Muqaddas
al-Ardabl (d. 993/15856), Abd Allh al-Bahbd al-Yazd (d. 981/15734), Fakhr
52 chapter one
37
See Jaml al-Dn Mahmd Nayrz [Shrz], Risla dar Qidam u hudth-i
ajsm, ed. Reza Pourjavady, Marif, 19 iii (Isfand 1381/March 2003), pp. 8894.
38
See Barakat, Kitb-shins-yi maktab-i falsaf-yi Shrz, pp. 198208. Barakat
attributes Jaml al-Dn Mahmds Risla dar qidam u h udth-i ajsm and his glosses
on Dawns glosses on Sharh al-Matli to H jj Mahmd al-Nayrz.
39
In the introduction to his commentary on Taftzns Tahdhb al-mantiq wa-l-
kalm, after explaining about his studies during his youth, Nayrz writes about mov-
ing out of the city in which he studied as follows: ittafaqa al-khurj an al-awtn.
Nayrzs usage of the plural form of watan (awtn) here is most likely for keeping the
rhyme. Therefore the sentence means the following: it happened that I moved out of
my town. For the whole introduction see below, pp. 1635 (Appendix I: Inventory
of Nayrzs Writings).
40
This is on the basis of Nayrzs colophon at the end of MS Marash 4266
(f. 200a). For more information on this manuscript see below, pp. 1856 (Appendix
I: Inventory of Nayrzs Writings).
54 chapter one
Mecca sometime before 897/1491. At this date the place of his resi-
dence is unknown. Three years later he was certainly in Shiraz. The
evidence for this is his remark in his commentary on Abhars Hidyat
al-h ikma that he saw a rainbow in Shiraz in 900/149495.41 This must
have been around the time that he was studying in that city with Sadr
al-Dn al-Dashtak. He also tells us in one of his writings that ratio-
nal theology (kalm) was his favourite subject.42 Indeed, in contrast
to some other scholars of Shiraz who studied in the same school,
namely Ghiyth al-Dn al-Dashtak and Shams al-Dn al-Khafr,43 he
showed little interest in mathematics and astronomy, although he
was to some extent concerned with astrology.44 Nayrz was granted
an ijza by his teacher Sadr al-Dn al-Dashtak that the latter issued
some few months before his murder on 12 Ramadn 903/4 May 1498.
In this ijza Dashtak shows great respect for Nayrz, as is indicated
by the honorific titles he employs when addressing him. This suggests
that Nayrz must have reached a certain age by that time. Dashtak
also mentions here that Nayrz studied with him his Ithbt al-wjib
and several glosses that he had written on different texts.45 Nayrzs
41
See Nayrz, Sharh Hidyat al-h ikma, MS Ridaw 175-h ikma, f. 97b.
42
In the introduction to his commentary on Taftzns Tahdhb al-mantiq wa-l-
kalm, explaining about his studies during his youth, Nayrz states: Then I found
that the science of kalm, which is the basis of all religions and religious laws and the
criterion for the principles of Islamic beliefs, is my favourite and the most significant,
since its questions are more important than others and its arguments are more certain
than others . . . so I made an effort to examine its principles and elaborate its branches.
For the original Arabic version of this passage, see below, pp. 1634 (Appendix I:
Inventory of Nayrzs Writings).
43
Presumably Nayrz and other students of Sadr al-Dn, including Ghiyth al-Dn
al-Dashtak and Shams al-Dn al-Khafr, studied in the Mansriyya madrasa estab-
lished by Sadr al-Dn al-Dashtak in 883/14789. On this madrasa see above, p. 18.
44
At the end of his Misbh al-arwh f sharh h aqiq al-Alwh and Tah rr Tajrd
al-aqid, Nayrz mentions the astrological coincidence with the completion of
the respective works, see below, pp. 161, 1756 (Appendix I: Inventory of Nayrzs
Writings).
45
The original copy of the ijza is included in a philosophical codex copied by
Nayrz. gh Buzurg quotes this ijza in his T abaqt alm al-sha (vol. 7, pp. 243
4). According to gh Buzurg, the ijza is located in the codex following Sadr al-Dn
al-Dashtaks Rislat Ithbt al-wjib. The ijza runs as follows:
.
=]
[
the philosopher al-nayrz 55
.
.
46
See below, pp. 117, 1201, 123, 129.
47
A unique manuscript of this ijza has been preserved in MS Malik 956, f. 266a.
For the edition of this ijza, see below, pp. 1967 (Appendix III: An Ijza Given to
Nayrz by Ghiyth al-Dn al-Dashtak).
48
On this work, see above, p. 25.
49
On this work, see above, p. 25.
50
On this work, see above, p. 25.
51
Two manuscripts of this work have been preserved: MSS Majlis 6320/2 (Cat., vol.
19, p. 310), and Ilhiyyt-i Mashhad 614/1 (Cat., vol. 1, p. 372). Cf. Barakat, Kitb-
shins-i maktab-i falsaf-i Shrz, pp. 1623.
52
It has been unknown until now that Ghiyth al-Dn wrote a commentary on
H ikmat al-Ishrq. No manuscript of this work has been reported to be extant and as
a matter of fact this is the only piece of information that we have about the existence
of this work.
53
On this work, see above, p. 30.
54
Presumably Ghiyth al-Dn is referring to a work he wrote on Sakkks Mifth
al-ulm and Jurjns commentary on it, of which a manuscript is preserved in Majlis
507 (Cat., vol. 22, p. 201). Cf. Barakat, Kitb-shins-i maktab-i falsaf-i Shrz, pp.
1389.
56 chapter one
55
On this work see above, p. 22.
56
See above, p. 25, fn. 156.
57
In the introduction to his commentary on Tahdhb al-mantiq wa-l-kalm, Nayrz
writes: rqiman f dhlika l-awn al l-kutub al-kathra raqaman yufd al-makhlqn
lahu l-basra, see below, p. 164 (Appendix I: Inventory of Nayrzs Writings).
58
See below, pp. 1934 (Appendix II: Philosophical writings copied by Nayrz).
59
Namely in his commentaries on Tahdhb al-mantiq wa-l-kalm and al-Alwh
al-Imdiyya; see below, pp. 164, 173 (Appendix I: Inventory of Nayrzs Writings).
60
See Nayrz, Sharh Hidyat al-h ikma, MS Ridaw 175-h ikma, f. 98b.
the philosopher al-nayrz 57
to accept Shism in 907/1501, the Shah and his qizilbsh were now
imposing this denomination on the population of Isfahan.61 It was
in particular the religious scholars of the town who were forced to
endorse Twelver Shism publicly. There is no indication that Nayrz
ever refused or even hesitated to do so. On the contrary, the fact that
he had been under the patronage of rulers who had been appointed
by the Shah (he may even have been sponsored by the Shah himself )
indicates that he was on good terms with the new government. He
was directly linked to the court, perhaps through Shh Mr, the son
of Malik Mahmd Jn, who had studied with Nayrz for a while and
was later on appointed by the Shah as vizier.62 Despite these favourable
conditions, Nayrzs stay in Isfahan was evidently unpleasant as he
bitterly complains about the way he was treated by the other scholars
of the city:
It then happened that I moved away from my town and went to a city of
seditions and troubles, where I could no longer see my true friends. There
I met people who were not graced by virtues, and who were of mean
disposition. If one of them should attain a certain level of knowledge by
the help of God, the others would consider that he lost his way . . . Yet
they regarded themselves at the level of mystics, who had attained the
knowledge that was never achieved by the scholars. However, they knew
nothing about the methodological principles (ilm al-usl ) nor about
mysticism.63
On 24 Rab II 911/23 September 1505, Nayrz completed a treatise
entitled F tayn jiht al-ajsm and dedicated it to someone referred to
as al-malik al-majd D iy al-milla wa-l-duny wa-l-dn Sadd.64 Some
time later but before 913/1507 Nayrz was in Biya Psh, the eastern
part of the province of Gln (in the north of Iran bounded by the
Caspian Sea), and it is likely that he sojourned in Lhjn, the urban
centre of Biya Psh. There, Nayrz was patronized by Nsir al-Dn,
who was presumably the vizier of Sultn Ahmad Khn Krkiy (r. 911/
61
See Manchihr Prsdst, Shah Isml-i awwal: Pdishh b atharh-yi drpy
dar Irn u Irn, Tehran 1381/2002, pp. 289300.
62
See Sm Mrz Safaw, Tadhkira-yi Tuh fa-yi Sm, ed. Rukn al-Dn Humyn
Farrukh, Tehran 1384/2005, p. 92.
63
Nayrzs introduction to his Sharh Tahdhb al-mantiq, MS ehid Ali 1780, f. 1b.
See below, p. 164 (Appendix I: Inventory of Nayrzs Writings).
64
See MS Malik, 2614/1, ff. 1b, 22a. For a description of this work, see below, pp.
1145.
58 chapter one
65
The date of his residence in Gln (Biya Psh) is not explicitly mentioned in his
works. The two works that he wrote while living there are undated. The only safe
indication is his statement in his commentary on Dawns Rislat Ithbt al-wjib
al-jadda, completed in 921/15156, where he indicates that some ten years earlier,
i.e., around 911/15056, he had written a work on ithbt al-wjib at the request of
an authority in Gln whom he does not identify any further. See above, p. 45, fn. 2.
66
The Kr-Kiy Sayyids ruled the area from 769/13678 onwards. Before seizing
power, Shah Isml spent six years (899/1494905/1499) in this region as a refugee. In
appreciation of their rulers hospitality, he allowed them to retain control of the region
after he became Shah. With Shah Ismls support, Ahmad Kr-Kiy succeeded in
seizing power in Biya Psh following his fathers death on 4 Ramadn 911/29 January
1506. In his time, Gln and particularly Biya Psh became an important cultural cen-
ter. See Khr Shh b. Qubd al-H usayn, Trkh-i Ilchi Nizm Shh, eds. Muhammad
Rid Nasr & Koichi Haneda, Tehran 1379/2000, pp. 2126.
67
Nayrzs praise of his patron Nsir al-Dn contains some indications that the lat-
ter was a physician and scholar of law. See below Nayrzs introductions to his Ithbt
al-wjib, p. 155 (Appendix I: Inventory of the Nayrzs Writings) and to his glosses on
Qutb al-Dn al-Shrzs commentary on Suhrawards H ikmat al-Ishrq, pp. 17980
(Appendix I: Inventory of Nayrzs Writings).
68
This is according to gh Buzurg al-T ihrn, who saw a copy of this work. See
Dhara, vol. 13, 141, no. 469. This work was not available to the present author.
69
Dhara, vol. 13, 141, no. 469.
70
See for eg. Nayrz, Tah rr Tajrd al-aqid, MS Majlis 3968, f. 294b: 20, where
he curses them with alayhim al-lana wa-l-adhb. Cursing the first three caliphs
seems to have been widely practised at the time among qizilbsh. In 916/151011,
al-Muhaqqiq al-Karak, who was the legal authority at the court of Shh Isml I,
wrote a treatise entitled Nafah t al-lht f lan al-jibt wa-l-tght, in which he legal-
ized it. See Andrew J. Newman, The Myth of the Clerical Migration to Safawid Iran.
Arab Shiite Opposition to Al al-Karak and Safawid Shiism, Die Welt des Islam,
33 (1993), pp. 66112, esp. p. 79; Abisaab, Converting Persia, pp. 267. Cf. Dhara,
vol. 24, pp. 2501 no. 1297.
the philosopher al-nayrz 59
71
See Nayrzs colophon at the end of MS Carullah 1327 (f. 218b) as quoted below,
p. 171 (Appendix I: Inventory of Nayrzs Writings).
72
See below, p. 193 (Appendix II: Philosophical Writings Copied by Nayrz).
73
This approbation note (taqrz) is to be found in MSS Marash 13793/8 and Ridaw
18410. See below, p. 165 (Appendix I: Inventory of Nayrzs Writings). There is also a
brief note on the last leaf of Shams al-Dn al-Khafrs glosses on Qshchs commen-
tary on Nasr al-Dn al-T ss Tajrd al-Itiqd in MS Majlis 1761, which runs as fol-
lows: al-Fdil al-Nayrz H jj Mah md shrih Tajrd tilmdh Sadr al-mudaqqiqn.
Abd al-H usayn H ir, the compiler of Volume Ten of the manuscript catalogue of
the Majlis Library, suggests that the note is written by Khafr (Cat., vol. 10 (4), pp.
21068). There is, however, no clear evidence to prove his assumption.
60 chapter one
74
Nayrz, Misbh al-arwh f sharh h aqiq al-Alwh , MS ehid Ali 1739, ff.
208b-209a; cf. below, p. 177 (Appendix I: Inventory of Nayrzs Writings).
75
Nayrz, Misbh al-arwh f sharh h aqiq al-Alwh , MS ehid Ali 1739, f. 213a.
76
gh Buzurg states that the manuscript was preserved in a private library in
Samarra. See Dhara, vol. 12, p. 284, no. 1910. The current location of this manuscript
is unknown.
77
See Nayrz, Misbh al-arwh f sharh h aqiq al-Alwh , MS ehid Ali 1739,
f. 213a.
78
Ghiyth al-Dn al-Dashtak, Talqt al al-Sharh al-jadd li-l-Tajrd, in
Musannaft-i Ghiyth al-Dn, vol. 2, p. 643. There are two versions of this work, the
earlier version can be found in MS Ridaw 444 (Cat., vol. 4, p. 117) and the later ver-
sion in MS Majis (Sin) 32 (Cat., vol. 1, p. 16).
79
See above, p. 57.
80
See the colophon of MS ehid Ali1739, f. 213a. The copy was completed on 2
Rab I 943/10 September 1536.
81
According to Muhammad Taq Dnishpazhh and Iraj Afshr the manuscript
(completed on 5 Rajab 940/20 January 1534) was preserved in the private library of
Muhammad Jawd Wjid. Its present location is unknown (Nuskhah-yi khatt , vol. 5,
Tehran 1346/1967, p. 285).
the philosopher al-nayrz 61
Nayrz was one of the few scholars of his time who dealt with philoso-
phy and who also regarded themselves as philosophers. He admired the
authoritative Muslim philosophers, namely Frb and Ibn Sn, in all
respects.84 To him to use his words rationalism (aql ) corresponds
fully with the religious tradition (naql), while philosophy is the Qurnic
hikma, which conveys enormous good (khayran kathran). It is the most
solid way to achieve the greatest happiness announced by the prophets
and it is the noblest gift.85
82
Preserved as MS Majlis 1887 (Cat., vol. 5, p. 381).
83
The scribe refers to his name in the colophon of this manuscript (f.106a) as
follows: qad tamma kitbatuhu al yad al-abd al-daf Al b. Muh ammad b. H jj
Mah md al-Nayrz. The codex contains (i) Nayrzs commentary on Dawns Rislat
Ithbt al-wjib al-jadda, (ii) Risla f tadd al-thawbit al-rasadiyya wa-mash at
al-ard wa-l-aflk wa-l-kawkib (anonymous), (iii) Al Qshchs F bayn istilh t
waqaa f l-ilm al-riyd, (iv) Dawns Risla f kalimat al-tawh d (or Tahlliyya)
(Persian), (v) Dawns commentary on a ghazal of H fiz (Persian), (vi) Sadr al-Dn
al-Dashtaks Ithbt al-wjib. The entire codex was written by two hands. The first
work in the codex (until f. 29b:3) was apparently copied by Nayrzs son, as is sug-
gested by the similarity of the handwriting with MS ehid Ali 1739, which we know
was copied by him. Al b. Muhammad b. H jj Mahmd thus persumably completed
the codex that had been started by his father.
84
Ottoman thinkers who were his contemporaries, such as Muayyadzde (Ibn
Muayyad) and Kaml Pshzde (Ibn Kaml ), under the influence of Ghazl, were
critical of some ideas of the philosophers, such as the eternity of the world, the denial
of the bodily resurrection and the universal knowledge of God; see Remzi Demir,
Philosophia Ottomanica. Osmanl Imparatorluu Dneminde Trk Felsefesi, Ankara
2005, pp. 4573. Even Dawn, who regarded himself as a philosopher, tried to detach
himself from Ibn Sn and Frbs path. In his Unmdhaj al-ulm, Dawn criticized
Ibn Sn and Frb for their idea of the eternity of the world and their disagreement
with the Islamic belief on bodily resurrection (see Dawn, Unmdhaj al-ulm, in
Thalth rasil, pp. 284319, esp. 3189).
85
See Nayrz, Sharh Hidyat al-h ikma, MS Carullah 1327, f. 1b. Alluding to
the Qurnic usages of the word h ikma, Nayrz asserts: wa-ishrah il annah
(= al-h ikma) atqan al-turuq al-msila il sadat al-uzm al-mabth li-al-ilm bih
al-anbiy. Cf. below, p. 170 (Appendix I: Inventory of Nayrzs Writings).
62 chapter one
86
Nayrz, Tah rr Tajrd al-aqid, MS Majlis 3968, f. 306b: 136. For the quota-
tion in its original language, see below, p. 198, no. 1 (Appendix IV: Quotations from
Unpublished Sources).
87
Yahya Michot has pointed out the significance of studying the reception of Ibn
Sns al-Adh awiyya among later Muslim scholars. See his A Mamlk Theologians
Commentary on Avicennas Risla Adhawiyya (Part One), Journal of Islamic Stud-
ies, 14 ii (2003), pp. 149203, esp. pp. 1523. Like Nayrz, Ghiyth al-Dn Mansr
al-Dashtak argues that Ibn Sn believed in bodily resurrection, but he seems to have
been referring to al-Adh awiyya as a work attributed to Ibn Sn in which the latter
argues against bodily resurrection. He rejects this attribution as being in contradiction
with works whose attribution to Ibn Sn is certain. See Ghiyth al-Dn al-Dashtak,
H ujjat al-kalm li-dh mah ajjat al-Islm, in Musannaft-i Ghiyth al-Dn, vol. 1,
pp. 153204, esp. 179. Another colleague of Nayrz, Mr H usayn Maybud, is explicit
about not knowing the nature of Ibn Sns statement concerning resurrection for
which Ghazl accused him of heresy. He assumes that perhaps Ghazl drew this
conclusion by inferring that bodily resurrection entailed opposition to the eternity
of the world, and therefore the philosophers argument for the eternity of the world
undermines bodily resurrection. See Maybud, Jm-i gt-num, p. 111.
the philosopher al-nayrz 63
88
Commenting upon Nasr al-Dn al-T ss argument for the occurrence of bod-
ies in time, Nayrz asserts: fa-lam anna al-musannif qad akhadha madhhab jumhr
al-muslimn; see Nayrzs commentary on Tajrd al-itiqd, MS Majlis 3968, f. 173b:189.
89
See Nayrz, Sharh Hidyat al-h ikma, MS Carullah 1327, ff. 198a ff.
90
See Nayrzs introduction to his commentary on Abhars Hidyat al-h ikma
quoted below, pp. 16970 (Appendix I: Inventory of Nayrzs Writings).
91
See Nayrzs introduction to his Misbh al-arwh f kashf h aqiq al-Alwh
quoted below, pp. 1723 (Appendix I: Inventory of Nayrzs Writings).
64 chapter one
92
Nayrz, Misbh al-arwh f kashf h aqiq al-Alwh , MS ehid Ali 1739, ff. 123b
4a. For the quotation in its original language, see below, p. 198, no. 2 (Appendix IV:
Quotations from Unpublished Sources).
93
Nayrz shows respect in his comments on the sayings of H allj and Ab Yazd
quoted by Suhraward in Lawh II of al-Alwh al-Imdiyya. See Misbh al-arwh f
kashf h aqiq al-Alwh , MS ehid Ali 1739, ff. 59a60a.
94
Corbin, Philosophie iranienne et philosophie compare, pp. 967.
95
See below, pp. 949.
the philosopher al-nayrz 65
96
See Nayrz, Tah rr Tajrd al-aqid, MS Ihy-i mrth 1849, f. 2b.
97
Translation of the Qurnic verses in this book is based on A. J. Arberrys The
Koran Interpreted (London & New York 1955), occasionally with some modifications.
98
See Nayrz, Tah rr Tajrd al-aqid, MS Ihy-i mrth 1849, f. 2b. For the com-
plete introduction of Nayrz to his Tah rr Tajrd al-aqid see below, pp. 15760
(Appendix I: Inventory of Nayrzs Writings).
66 chapter one
99
The saved sect (al-firqat al-njiyya) is a doctrinal term infered from a prophetic
h adth according to which among the seventy three sects of the prophets nation
(umma), only one will be rescued from hell. On this doctrine, see Joseph Van Ess,
Der Eine und das Andere. Beobachtungen an islamischen hresiographischen Texten,
Berlin 2010.
100
Nayrz states the following at the end of his commentary:
.
101
This is much earlier than the time, which has been generally assumed namely,
the reign of Shah Abbs.
102
On Karaks migration to Iran, see A. Hourani, From Jabal Amil to Persia,
Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies, 49 (1986), pp. 13340; Newman,
The Myth of the Clerical Migration to Safawid Iran, pp. 66112; Devin J. Stewart,
Notes on the Migration of mil Scholars to Safavid Iran, Journal of Near Eastern
Studies, 55 ii (Apr., 1996), pp. 81103; Rula Jurdi Abisaab, The Ulama of Jabal Amil
in Safavid Iran, 15011736: Marginality, Migration and Social Change, Iranian Stud-
ies, 27 (1994), pp. 10322.
103
To my knowledge the only study which deals with Sh theologians of the early
Safavid period in detail is: Erika Glassen, Shah Isml I. und die Theologen seiner
Zeit, Der Islam, 48 (1972), pp. 25468, which is however based on bibliographical
sources only.
104
See Nayrz, Tah rr Tajrd al-aqid, MS Princeton 70, f. 47a ff.
105
See Nayrz, Tah rr Tajrd al-aqid, MS Princeton 70, f. 36b ff.
106
See Nayrz, Tah rr Tajrd al-aqid, MS Princeton 70, f. 2a ff.
the philosopher al-nayrz 67
107
See Al al-Dn Al al-Qshch, Sharh Tajrd al-itiqd, Lithograph Edition by
Mulla Abbs Al, Tabriz 1301/1883, pp. 399 ff.
108
See Nayrz, Tah rr Tajrd al-aqid, MS Majlis 3968, ff. 282b3a.
68 chapter one
his shade of mercy over the believers of Islam and let his rule last until
the resurrection.109
It is Shah Isml I that Nayrz refers to as the Imam of this epoch
and time, vicegerent of the Compassionate [i.e., Gods deputy on earth]
(imm hdh l-asr wa-l-awn, khalfat al-rahmn). As Newman has
pointed out, these titles were widely used at the time for Shah Isml
I.110 However, in contrast to what has been suggested by Newman,
the use of these titles did not necessarily imply any kind of religious
authorization for the Shah.111 This is evident from Nayrzs discussion
quoted above, in which the divine legislation and even religious affairs
per se are excluded for any ruler other than the true imams.112
Nayrz seems to have been quite well-known during his lifetime. That
he dedicated his Tahrr Tajrd al-aqid to Shah Isml I indicates
that he was established as a scholar at the court. It is possible that this
work was even written at the request of the Shah. Moreover, reference
109
The translation of this quotation is based on two manuscripts of Nayrzs Tah rr
Tajrd al-aqid: MSS Majlis 3968 (f. 283a: 146) and Mill Frs 55 (f. 140b: 106).
For the quotation in Arabic, see below, pp. 1989, no. 4 (Appendix IV: Quotations
from Unpublished Sources).
110
Newman presents several pieces of evidence: 1) a farmn inscribed in Isfah-
ans Friday mosque in 911/1505, in which Shah Isml I was described as khalfat
al-zamn (the Caliph of the age), the spreader of justice and beneficence, al-imm
al-dil al-kmil (the just, the perfect Imam), al-hd (the guide), al-ghz, al-wal . . .;
2) an inscription on a coin minted in Mashhad in 924/1518 referring to the Shah as
al-imm al-dil; 3) in the introduction to his Nafah t al-lht f lan al-jibt wa-l-
tght completed in 916/1510, Al b. H asan al-Karak praised the Shah as al-imm
al-dil. See Newman, The Myth of the Clerical Migration to Safawid Iran, pp. 701.
111
Newman asserts: Although such terms as al-imm al-dil (the just Imam)
and al-sultn al-dil could have secular implications, in Twelver Shii discourse they
could also refer to the Hidden Imam himself. Given claims for Ismls identification
with other, non-Shii divinities, the use of such terms with reference to the shah only
exploited this ambiguity of meaning to bolster Ismls pretensions to the imamate.
See Newman, The Myth of the Clerical Migration to Safawid Iran, pp. 712.
112
Apart from the discussion of the imamate, Nayrz tries to apply his Twelver
Sh point of view to other issues. An example of this can be found in his com-
mentary on Dawns Rislat Ithbt al-wjib al-jadda on the issue of Gods speech,
where he supports the view of the Mutaziles that speech is not a separate attribute
of God, but simply consists in His power to create words in their appropriate places
( f mah allih). To strengthen this claim, he states that the Mutaziles were followers
of the impeccable Imams (al-aimma al-masmn) on this issue, as is evident from
the Imm theological writings. See Nayrz, Sharh Rislat Ithbt al-wjib al-jadda,
MS ehid Ali 2761, f. 49b.
the philosopher al-nayrz 69
113
Sm Mrz Safaw, Tadhkira-yi Tuh fa-yi Sm, p. 92. Nayrzs name, however,
appears erroneously as H jj Mhmd Tayrz.
114
Preserved in MSS Princeton 853 and 854 (Cat. (1938), pp. 2767).
115
Preseved in MS Marash 5471 (Cat., vol. 14, p. 256).
116
Preseved in MSS Dnishgh 5637 (Cat., vol. 16, p. 51), Majlis 2134 (Cat., vol. 5,
pp. 10810), Gulpygn 289 (Cat., vol. 1, p. 250).
117
See below, p. 165 (Appendix I: Inventory of Nayrzs Writings).
118
Ghiyth al-Dn al-Dashtak, Talqt al al-Sharh al-jadd li-l-Tajrd, in
Musannaft-i Ghiyth al-Dn, vol. 2, pp. 6434. See above, p. 60, and below, pp. 1101.
119
See Nasr al-Bayn al-Kzirn, Risla f Tah qq al-zwiya, MS Marw 877, ff.
43b8b. For the contents of this work and its other extant manuscripts, see below,
p. 154 (Appendix I: Inventory of Nayrzs Writings).
70 chapter one
120
See Muhammad al-Khwjag al-Shrz, H shiya al sharh al-Dawn al Tahdhb
al-mantiq li-Taftzn, MS British Musum Or. 8500. In f. 2a the author states that
through out his work he deals with the criticisms of H ajj Mahmd al-Nayrz and Ism
al-Dn al-Isfaryin (d. 943/15367 or 951/15434) to Dawns positions. Khwjag seems
to have played a significant role in transmission of philosophical and theological discus-
sions into India. He was for a while under the patronage of the ruler of Ahmadnegar
state, Burhn Nizm Shh (r. 914/1508961/1554), who converted to Twelver Shism
in 944/1537. Another well-known work of his is a Twelver Sh creed, al-Nizmiyya f
madhhab al-Immiyya, written at the request of Burhn Nizm Shah (ed. Al Awjab,
Tehran 1375/1996). For other writings of his, see the introduction of Awjab to his edi-
tion of the latter work, pp. 4956.
121
See below, copyists colophon of MS Malik 688,6, p. 156 (Appendix I: Inventory
of Nayrzs Writings).
122
See above, pp. 601.
123
On Sadr al-Dn Zde Muhammad Sdiq b. Fayd Allhs life, see Mehmed eyh
Efendi, ekaik-i Numaniye ve zeyilleri. Vakayi l-fuzal, ed. Abdlkadir zcan,
the philosopher al-nayrz 71
Istanbul 1989, pp. 3135; Muhammad Thurayy, Sijill-i Uthmn ykhd Tadhkara-i
mashhr-i Uthmniyya, Istanbul 1311/18934, vol. 3, pp. 1889.
124
See gh Buzurg al-T ihrn, T abaqt, vol. 7, p. 244.
125
See below, pp. 1934 (Appendix II: Philosophical Writings Copied by Nayrz).
126
See Muhammad Ashraf Alaw mil, Fadil al-sdt, Lithograph Edition, Teh-
ran 1319/1901, pp. 112. For its original place in Nayrzs commentary on Dawns
Rislat Ithbt al-wjib al-jadda, see MS ehid Ali 2761, f. 3b: 615.
72 chapter one
mil becomes even more evident when reading the latters Persian
commentary on Nasr al-Dn al-T ss Tajrd al-itiqd, entitled Ilqat
al-Tajrd. In this work, Alaw mil frequently quotes from Nayrzs
commentary on T ss Tajrd al-itiqd (he refers to it as sharh instead
of tah rr), referring explicitly to H jj Mahmd Nayrz or simply
H jj Mahmd.127 Among all the earlier commentaries on the Tajrid
to which he had access, Nayrzs commentary is one of his prominent
sources, if not the most prominent. Although Alaw mils commen-
tary is written in Persian, he does not hesitate to include numerous
quotations from Nayrzs commentary in Arabic. Sometimes, how-
ever, he translates his words into, or summarizes his positions in Per-
sian.128 Reading Alaw mils Ilqat al-Tajrd sheds light on specific
views of Nayrz that are expressed in his commentary on Tajrd, since
he juxtaposes them with the views of other major commentators of
the text. Alaw mils general attitude towards Nayrz is positive.
On many occasions he expressly supports Nayrzs views and prefers
them to those of others. Moreover, he informs us that his great-grand-
father, Mr Dmd, held Nayrzs assertions in high esteem.129
The colophon of MS Princeton 70, which contains a fragment
of Nayrzs Tah rr Tajrd al-itiqd, shows that the copy was made
for Muhammad Ashraf al-H usayn, who must be identical with
Muhammad Ashraf al-Alaw al-mil.130 In his Ilqat al-Tajrd,
Alaw mil indicates that his manuscript of Nayrzs commentary
is poor, and that he hopes to be able to correct those quotations that
he included in the book with the help of a better manuscript.131 It is
therefore plausible that later on Alaw mil found another manu-
script of the commentary and asked a scribe to copy it for him from
that recension.
Apart from Alaw mil, an anonymous later commentator of
Tajrd al-itiqd, who was alive in 1091/1680, also consulted the com-
127
For the locations of these quotations see Alaw mil, Ilqat al-Tajrd, ed.
H mid Naj Isfahn, Tehran 1381/2002, vol. 2, pp. 125960.
128
See, e.g., Alaw mil, Ilqat al-Tajrd, pp. 117, 130.
129
He writes: jadd-i d thlith al-muallimn h usn-i zann bi kalm-i dshti ast.
See Muhammad Ashraf Alaw mil, Ilqat al-Tajrd, vol. 1, p. 233.
130
For the colophon, see below, pp. 1623 (Appendix I: Inventory of Nayrzs
Writings).
131
He writes: n ast n-chi az nuskha-yi H jj Mah md ki nazd-i n jnib bd
mukhraj shud, in sh Allh az nuskha-yi asah h akmal shawad. See Muhammad
Ashraf Alaw mil, Ilqat al-Tajrd, vol. 1, p. 182.
the philosopher al-nayrz 73
132
See Cat., vol. 11, pp. 6970. According to Al Naq Munzaw, the author of the
catalogue, Nayrzs commentary on Tajrd al-itiqd is referred to there on f. 115b.
This manuscript was not however examined by the present author.
CHAPTER TWO
The School of Shiraz is the label first applied by Henry Corbin to the
philosophical activities which took place in Shiraz in the late 9th/15th
and early 10th/16th centuries.1 Some later scholars, such as Qsim
Kky,2 Muh ammad Barakat,3 and Seyyed Hossein Nasr,4 followed
Corbin in using this label. Employing the notion of school as a way of
grouping together a number of philosophers, though perhaps in some
ways justified, can lead to misunderstandings, as in this case. It suggests
that these philosophers shared some kind of common doctrine or at
least a common doctrinal point of departure. Since this was not the
situation with the philosophers of Shiraz, other scholars have been more
hesitant to label them a school. Instead, they speak of two strands of
philosophy or two schools of philosophy of Shiraz. This approach,
adopted by Al Naq Munzaw,5 Ahad Farmarz Qarmalik,6 and Al
Awjab,7 seems to be more appropriate, as most of the philosophers of
1
Henry Corbin, Histoire de la philosophie islamique, pp. 45961.
2
Kky, shny b maktab-i Shrz: Sadr al-Dn Dashtak, pp. 829; idem,
shny b maktab-i Shrz: Muh aqqiq-i Khafr, pp. 6070; idem, shny b
maktab-i Shrz: Mr Ghiyth al-Dn Dashtak (1), pp. 8390; idem, shny b
maktab-i Shrz: Mr Ghiyth al-Dn Dashtak (2), Khiradnma-yi Sadr, 7 (1376/1998),
pp. 5967.
3
Barakat, Kitb-shins-i maktab-i falsaf-i Shrz, pp. 912.
4
Seyyed Hossein Nasr, Islamic Philosophy from Its Origin to the Present: Philosophy
in the Land of Prophecy, New York 2006, pp. 185208.
5
Ali Naq Munzaw, Madris-i Shirz dar sada-yi nuhum-i hijr, Chst, 14 iiiii
(1375/1996), pp. 16175.
6
Farmarz Qarmalik defines them as two competing schools (du madrasa-yi/
maktab-i raqb). See Ahad Farmarz Qarmalik, Muktabah-yi Dawn u Dashtak
dar hall-i muamm-yi jadhr-i asamm, Khiradnma-yi Sadr, 89 (1376/1997), p. 95;
the introduction to Dawzdah risla dar prduks-i durghg, ed. Ah ad Farmarz
Qarmalik in collaboration with T ayyiba rifniy, Tehran 1386/2007, pp. panjh u
chahr-panjh u panj.
7
Cf. Awjabs introduction to Ghiyth al-Dn Mansr al-Dashtaks Ishrq Haykil
al-nr li-kashf zulumt Shawkil al-gharr, pp. 8893.
nayrz and the two strands of philosophy in shiraz 75
the time leaned either towards the thought of Jall al-Dn al-Dawn
or that of Sadr al-Dn al-Dashtak.
The two leading philosophers of Shiraz, Dawn and Dashtak,
held different views on a number of issues, each one criticizing the
other on these matters. This conflict is reflected particularly in the
following writings of these two philosophers: i) their glosses on Al
al-Dn Al al-Qshchs commentary on Nasr al-Dn al-T ss Tajrd
al-itiqd, ii) their superglosses on Mr Sayyid al-Sharf al-Jurjns
glosses (h awsh) on Qut b al-Dn al-Rzs commentary on Sirj al-Dn
al-Urmaws Matli al-anwr, entitled Lawmi al-asrr f sharh Matli
al-anwr,8 iii) their superglosses on Mr Sayyid al-Sharf al-Jurjns
glosses on Adud al-Dn al-js commentary on Ibn H jibs Mukhtasar
al-muntah,9 iv) their superglosses on Jurjns glosses on Qutb al-Dn
al-Rzs commentary on Najm al-Dn al-Ktibs al-Shamsiyya,10 and
v) their treatises on the proof of existence of the Necessary Existent
and His attributes ( f ithbt al-wjib wa-siftihi).11
These controversies attracted much attention during their lifetime and
continued to be hotly debated for decades after they had died. Despite
its evident significance, however, the conflict is not documented in
any independent source of the time, and our knowledge of it is mainly
restricted to allusions made to it by the two sides involved.
The most significant disagreement can be seen in their respective
glosses on Qshchs commentary on T ss Tajrd al-itiqd. Sadr al-Dn
al-Dashtak seems to have been the first of the two to write glosses on
8
See below, pp. 801.
9
Neither Sadr al-Dn al-Dashtaks nor Dawns superglosses on Mr Sayyid
al-Sharf al-Jurjns glosses on Ad ud al-Dn al-js commentary on Ibn H jibs
al-Mukhtasar al-muntah are known to be extant. Our knowledge of these superglosses
is based on Ghiyth al-Dn al-Dashtaks superglosses on Jurjns glosses, where he
rejects Dawns criticisms of the respective superglosses of Sadr al-Dn al-Dashtak.
See above, p. 23.
10
Of Sadr al-Dn al-Dashtaks superglosses on Jurjns glosses on Qutb al-Dn
al-Rzs commentary on the Shamsiyya, at least five manuscripts are extant: MSS Ridaw
1027 (Cat. vol.1, p. 283), Marash 3844 (Cat. vol. 10, p. 229), Marash 8459 (Cat. vol.
22, p. 48), Dirat al-marif 387 (Cat. vol. 1, p. 84), Dirat al-marif 359 (Cat. vol. 1,
p. 84). See Barakat, Kitb-shins-i maktab-i falsaf-i Shrz, pp. 234. Dawns super-
glosses on Jurjns glosses on this commentary is published in Shurh al-Shamsiyya
(Istanbul n.d., pp. 25686), where he criticises Sadr al-Shrz. Ghiyth al-Dn
al-Dashtak also wrote superglosses on the same glosses of Jurjn in which he responded
to Dawns criticisms of the respective superglosses of Sadr al-Dn al-Dashtak. See
Abd al-H usayn H irs description of MS Majlis 3728 (Cat. vol. 22, pp. 2023).
11
On these superglosses, see below, pp. 1167.
76 chapter two
12
This is according to Sadr al-Dn al-Dashtak in the introduction to the second set
of glosses on Qshchs commentary on Tajrd al-itiqd quoted below.
13
In his Kitb-shins-i Tajrd al-itiqd, Al Sadry Khy provides a list of
manuscripts of Sadr al-Dn al-Dashtaks glosses on Qshchs commentary on Tajrd
al-itiqd (pp. 847, 902). Sadry Khy distinguishes two sets of glosses, both of
which were written in response to Dawns glosses. The one he suggests as the earlier
set is the one dedicated to Sult n Byazd, a copy of which was given to the Sultan by
Muayyadzde in 887/1482. But this cannot have been the first set of glosses, as the first
set had been completed by Sadr al-Dn al-Dashtak before the completion of Dawns
first set of glosses on the same commentary, in 882/1477883/1478. Thus, none of the
manuscripts presented by Sadry Khy in his bibliography contains Sadr al-Dns first
set of glosses. Barakat follows Sadry Khy in his bibliography of this work of Sadr
al-Dn al-Dashtak. See Barakat, Kitb-shins-i maktab-i falsaf-i Shrz, pp. 1923.
14
See above, p. 10.
15
For the manuscripts of Kaml al-Dn al-Lrs supplement to this work, see
Sadry Khy, Kitb-shins-i Tajrd al-itiqd, pp. 648. Only little is known about
Lr, although he seems to have been an outstanding figure in his time. It is to him
that Sadr al-Dn refers when in his introduction to his glosses on Tajrd al-itiqd he
mentions one of the greatest and most excellent students (bad min uzam fudal
al-tullb). Lr taught later on in Shiraz. His extant works are: i) a commentary on
Dawns al-Zawr, entitled Tah qq al-Zawr, completed in 918/15123 (MSS Mill
813/ayn (Cat. vol. 8, p. 316), Majlis 3914 (Cat. vol. 10 (4), pp. 19423)); and ii) glosses
on Shams al-Dn al-Isfahns commentary on Tajrd al-itiqd, entitled Tah qq al-Tajrd
(MS Ridaw 13953). In his commentary on al-Zawr, Lr refers to another work of
his, which he completed in 913/15078 on the uniqueness of the Necessary Existence,
entitled Tah qq al-tawh d. See the note on MS Majlis 3914 in Cat. vol. 10 (4), pp.
19423. Cf. Sadry Khy, Kitb-shins-i Tajrd al-itiqd, pp. 567.
nayrz and the two strands of philosophy in shiraz 77
venerable man among the people (bad ajallat al-ns) (i.e., Dawn) was
mistaken and confused about the text and the commentary, and had
altered the context of words in such a way that what was intended by
them is lost. Thus he had constructed flimsy conclusions like spiders
webs. This could deceive a weak student whose first consideration is the
speaker rather than what is spoken, and because of his noble position [that
student] accepts these unreliable words which are not worthy of attention.
I was [also] apprised of what has been written on the book by one of the
greatest and most excellent students (i.e., Kaml al-Dn al-Lr), [which
showed that] he was unable to distinguish the husk from the kernel or
the mirage from water. This motivated me to write for the second time
glosses [on that work], in order to do justice to the commentary and its
glosses. [In these latest glosses] I deal only with the issues discussed in
the commentary and the glosses, and try to explain complexities and
difficulties which have baffled scholars.16
Subsequently, a number of oral disputations between the two phi-
losophers took place. In his Trkh-i H abb al-siyar, Ghiyth al-Dn
Khwndmr (d. 942/1536) explains that every new ruler of Shiraz made
it a practice to organize debates between the two, in order to become
acquainted with their respective philosophical positions.17 In his Sul-
lam al-Samwt, Ab al-Qsim Kzirn (fl. 1014/1605) indicates that
one of these debates took place in the Jmi atq mosque of Shiraz.18
Kzirn also says that Dawn in his disputations used to explore
and elaborate, whereas Sadr al-Dn often based his arguments on intu-
itions (h adsiyyt), and contented himself with some concise allusions
and subtle statements (ishrt-i mjaz u ibrt-i latfa).19 As may
be seen from his introduction to his glosses on al-Sharh al-jadd li-l-
Tajrd,20 Dawn regarded himself as the victor in these disputations.
Ghiyth al-Dn al-Dashtak likewise confirms in his Kashf al-h aqiq
al-Muh ammadiyya that Dawn was a powerful disputant.21
16
Sadr al-Dn al-Dashtak, H shiya al sharh Tajrd al-itiqd, MS Ftih 3025, f. 1b.
For the quotation in Arabic, see below, pp. 199200, no. 5 (Appendix IV: Quotations
from Unpublished Sources).
17
Khwndmr, Trkh-i H abb al-siyar, vol. 3, p. 603.
18
Ab l-Qsim Kzirn, Marqm-i panjumi kitb-i Sullam al-Samwt: dar
sharh -i ah wl-i shuar u chakma-saryn u dnishmandn, ed. Yahy Qarb, Tehran
1340/1961, pp. 1267.
19
Kzirn, Sullam al-Samwt, vol. 5, p. 126.
20
See below, pp. 7980.
21
See Ghiyth al-Dn al-Dashtak, Kashf al-h aqiq, in Musannaft-i Ghiyth
al-Dn, vol. 2, p. 986, where Ghiyth al-Dn says that the astrological sign of Dawn
supported his power of disputation (quwwat al-mujdala).
78 chapter two
22
The oldest known version of the liar paradox is attributed to the Greek philoso-
pher Eubulides of Miletus who lived in the fourth century BC. On the origin of the
paradox and its development in Medieval European logic, see Paul Vincent Spade,
The Origins of the Mediaeval Insolubilia-Literature, Franciscan Studies, 33 (1973),
pp. 292309, reprinted in his Lies, Language and Logic in the Later Middle Ages,
London, 1988; Insolubles, in The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, ed. Edward
N. Zalta, Stanford, 2005 (URL = http://plato.stanford.edu/archives/fall2005/entries/
insolubles/). For a survey of discussions on the liar paradox in the Islamic lands until
the mid-seventh/mid-thirteenth century, see Ahmad Alwishah & David Sanson, The
Early Arabic Liar: The Liar Paradox in the Islamic World from the Mid-Ninth to the
Mid-Thirteenth Centuries CE, Vivarium, 47 (2009), pp. 97127.
23
Farmarz Qarmalik traced the discussions of this paradox in the writings of some
early Muslim philosophers and theologians, namely Frb, Abd al-Jabbr Hamadn
(d. 415/1024), and Abd al-Qhir al-Baghdd (429/1038). See Ah a d Farmarz
Qarmaliks introduction to Dawzdah risla dar prduks-i durgh-g, p. hashtd
u du.
24
According to Farmarz Qarmalik they were described as a mudhkira in the
earliest manuscript of the work, copied presumably close to the time of their composi-
tion (MS Ridaw 877). See Farmarz Qarmaliks introduction to Dawzdah risla dar
prduks-i durgh-g, pp. haftd u panj-haftd u shish.
25
These four fragments have been edited twice, first by H mid Nj Isfahn,
in Sadr al-Dn al-Shrz, Rasil-i falsaf-i Sadr al-mutaallihn, Tehran 1375/1996,
pp. 46776 (on the basis of MS Dnishgh 1257) and then by Ahad Farmarz Qarmalik
in Muktabah-yi Dawn u Dashtak dar h a ll-i muammyi jadhr-i asa mm,
Khiradnma-yi Sadr, 89 (1376/1997), pp. 95101 (on the basis of MSS Ridaw 877,
Marash 6025, Dnishgh 6616, Dnishgh 1257). The latter edition of these fragments
is again included in Dawzdah risla dar prduks-i durghg, ed. Ahad Farmarz
Qarmalik [in collaboration with T ayyiba rif Niy], pp. 1725, 93100.
nayrz and the two strands of philosophy in shiraz 79
26
Sadr al-Dn al-Dashtaks treatise on the liar paradox, entitled Risla fi shubhat
Jadhr al-Asamm, is edited by Ahad Farmarz Qarmalik in Khiradnma-yi Sadr, 56
(1375/1997), pp. 7482. The treatise of Jall al-Dn al-Dawn, entitled Nihyat al-kalm
f h all shubhat kull-u kalm kdhib, is also edited by Ahad Farmarz Qarmalik in
Nma-yi mufd, 2, i (1375/1996), pp. 97134. Editions of both texts are again reprinted
in Dawzdah risla dar prduks-i durghg, ed. Ahad Farmarz Qarmalik [in col-
laboration with T ayyiba rif Niy], pp. 2762, 10155.
27
See Dawn, Al-muntakhab min h shiyatihi al l-sharh al-jadd li-l-tajrd,
Dawzdah risla dar prduks-i durghg, ed. Ahad Farmarz Qarmalik [in collabora-
tion with T ayyiba rif Niy], p. 121, where Sadr al-Dn is referred to as al-mutarid.
28
The date of completion of this work can be estimated roughly on the basis of the
colophon of MS Ridaw 19827 (f. 268b), which contains a copy of this work transcribed
from the autograph of Dawn in 943/1537. The scribe states that Dawn completed
this work fifty years earlier.
29
See above, pp. 767.
80 chapter two
Then after a while I became ill, which prevented me from doing even
simple things, let alone carrying out discussions or disputations. He then
resumed those arguments and sophistries, taking up his earlier positions,
repeating the same arguments, criticizing [me] harshly and insisting on
his view. He thought that no one would later challenge what he said,
and forgot the subtle ways of destiny. These [reiterations of his views]
spread among a small number of savage sectarians, whom he gathered
around [himself] with his false promises. They covered their slates with
these words and wasted their quires. [But] he did not propose anything
new. Stripped of the viciousness of repetition, those harsh arguments
would have conveyed nothing but the same old invective. He combined
these false and incoherent sophistries like someone who makes clothes
from the reverse side of cloth and presents it for sale. However, it is
very unlikely that the camel passes through the needle of the tailor
[Q 7:40]. They [i.e., those sophistries] do not rise from the ground and
do not even move a jot.
My companions requested that I should present the truth, remove the
veil from the sight of observers and eliminate doubtful points from the
path of the students, particularly those who are innocently mistaken.
At first I was hesitant to waste my precious time on reading such poor
arguments this kind of investigation was for those with weaker minds.
Moreover, I am not like those people who only feel satisfied when theirs
is the final word [on a subject], regarding their own view as bringing the
matter to a close. Nonetheless, when they repeatedly persisted [in this
request], I began [to write] it, spending [only] some of my spare time
on it, regarding it as an entertainment and something to keep me away
from boredom.30
As is evident from the above quotation, the conflict between the two
had reached its peak at this point, for now Dawn no longer shows
any respect for Sadr al-Dn al-Dashtak, referring to him simply as
one of the people of the region (bad ahl al-balad) and dismissing
his criticism as sophistry based on taking words used by Dawn out
of their context.
Echoes of these disputations are also to be found in their respective
superglosses on Mr Sayyid al-Sharf al-Jurjns glosses (h awsh) on
Qut b al-Dn al-Rzs commentary on Sirj al-Dn al-Urmaws Matli
30
The translation of this quotation is based on MSS Ridaw 19827 (f. 1b) and Majlis
1999 (f.1b). For the quotation in Arabic, see below, p. 200, no. 6 (Appendix IV: Quota-
tions from Unpublished Sources).
nayrz and the two strands of philosophy in shiraz 81
31
One of the topics of debate between the two, both in their respective glosses on
Qshchs commentary on T ss Tajrd al-itiqd and in their respective superglosses
written on Jurjns glosses on the commentary of Urmaws Matli al-anwr, is that
of mental existence (al-wujd al-dhihn). In his H shiya al l-sharh al-jadd li-Tajrd
al-itiqd (MS Majlis 1999, f. 107a), Dawn alludes to the way this discussion devel-
oped between him and Sadr al-Dn al-Dashtak in their respective glosses on Jurjns
glosses on the commentary of Matli al-anwr. For detailed discussion of the views
of these two scholars on mental existence, see below, pp. 99101.
32
This set of glosses is preseved in MS Majlis 3908 (Cat. vol. 10 (4), pp. 19356).
33
MSS Ridaw 990 (Cat. 1/316), Dnishgh 6802 (Cat. vol. 16, p. 363), Marash
7312/3 (Cat. vol. 19, p. 103), Escorial 684 (Cat. vol. 1, p. 483) contain the superglosses
of Sadr al-Dn al-Dashtak on Jurjns glosses on Qutb al-Dn al-Rzs commentary
on Urmaws Matli al-anwr. According to the respective catalogues the beginnings
of all these treatises are the same, yet it is unclear whether they contain the first or the
revised version of the superglosses.
34
See Abd al-H usayn H irs description of MS Majlis 3728 (Cat. vol. 10 (4), pp.
170710). In the catalogue, however, the date of the completion of this work appears
erroneously as 986/15789, the correct date might be 896/14901.
35
I base myself here on Abd al-H usayn H irs description of MS Majlis 3728,
which contains this work (Cat. vol. 10 (4), pp. 170710).
82 chapter two
36
See above, pp. 7980.
37
See above, p. 29.
38
This part of Ghiyth al-Dns H shiya al sharh Tajrd al-itiqd has been edited
in Dawzdah risla dar prduks-i durghg, ed. Ahad Farmarz Qarmalik [in col-
laboration with T ayyiba rif Niy], pp. 159261.
39
See Ghiyth al-Dn al-Dashtak, Tajrd al-Ghawsh (section on the Liar paradox),
in Dawzdah risla dar prduks-i durghg, ed. Ahad Farmarz Qarmalik [in col-
laboration with T ayyiba rif Niy], p. 160. For his sarcastic and offensive words against
Dawn in his Ishrq Haykil al-nr, see Al Awjabs introduction to the edition of
this work, pp. 923.
84 chapter two
scientific question, with the intention of debating with him. But Dawn
refrained from answering. Amr Sadr al-Dn, the father of Mansr, became
angry and, addressing Dawn, said: My son is talking to you. Dawn
replied: You yourself answer, so that I may know what your position is.40
Following Dawns death, Ghiyth al-Dns animosity gradually sub-
sided. In his Kashf al-h aqiq al-Muh ammadiyya, written nearly forty
years after Dawns death, he refers to him respectfully as al-mawl
al-fdil:
Ab al-b [i.e., my father], Sadr al-Dn Muh ammad, [who was] the
sayyid of the greatest philosophers, and al-mawl al-fdil Jall al-Dn
Muhammad al-Dawn, peace be upon them, had some disputations and
debates with each other on the sciences. Anyone who intends to know
which one of them was more correct and true should look into their writ-
ings carefully so that it becomes clear to him that my father was right. If
he is unable to do that, he should look into my evaluations of them. If
he is unable to do that either, there are other ways [for him to find out
who was right] such as by means of astrology (ah km al-nujm) . . . and
physiognomy ( firsa).41
Besides Ghiyth al-Dn, two other students of Sadr al-Dn contributed
to the subjects under dispute, namely Shams al-Dn al-Khafr and Najm
al-Dn al-Nayrz. In his Ibrat al-fudal f h all shubhat kullu kalm
kdhib, Khafr criticises Dawns solution of the liar paradox, though he
refers to him respectfully as al-H adrat al-Jalliyyat al-Muh ammadiyya
jallat ifdtuhu.42 In another treatise that he wrote on the subject years
later, entitled H ayrat al-fudal f h all shubhat jadhr al-asamm, he sug-
gests five solutions for the paradox, among them apparently the one
he considered the most profound that of Sadr al-Dn al-Dashtak.43
40
H asan Fasy, Frs-nma, vol. 1, p. 142.
41
Ghiyth al-Dn al-Dashtak, Kashf al-haqiq al-Muhammadiyya, in Musannaft-i
Ghiyth al-Dn, vol. 2, pp. 9857.
42
See Shams al-Dn al-Khafr, Ibrat al-fudal f hall shubhat kullu kalm kdhib,
ed. Ahad Farmarz Qarmalik, Khiradnma-yi Sadr, 4 (1375/1996), p. 87; Dawzdah
risla dar prduks-i durghg, ed. Farmarz Qarmalik [in collaboration with T ayyiba
rif Niy], p. 266.
43
This solution, which Khafr explicitly described as bi-iz al-jawb alladh mansb
il sayyid al-muh aqqiqn (i.e., Sadr al-Dn al-Dashtak) is more credible according to
Khafr than the others. See Dawzdah risla dar prduks-i durghg, ed. Farmarz
Qarmalik [in collaboration with T ayyiba rif Niy], p. 304.
nayrz and the two strands of philosophy in shiraz 85
44
See Abd al-H usayn H irs description of MS Majli 1736 (Fihrist-i kitbkhna-yi
majlis-i Shr-yi mill, 5/13940), which contains these superglosses. For other manu-
scripts of this work, see Barakat, Kitb-shins-i maktab-i falsaf-i Shrz, pp. 1823.
45
Nayrzs H shiya al l-Tajrd is mentioned by Ghiyth al-Dn al-Dashtak, see
Musannaft-i Ghiyth al-Dn, vol. 2, pp. 6434. Otherwise, the H shiya al Tajrd
al-itiqd is unknown and seems to be lost. See below, pp. 1101.
46
See Nayrz, Sharh Hidyat al-h ikma, MS Carullah 1327, f. 177a:18.
47
See below, p. 129.
48
See below, pp. 1158.
49
See below, pp. 12931.
86 chapter two
again supports the views of Sadr al-Dn al-Dashtak on all the issues
where the latters views differed from those of Dawn. He also refers
at times to the views of Ghiyth al-Dn. Discussing the issue of Gods
knowledge, for instance, he explicitly mentions the view of Ghiyth
al-Dn by saying al m huwa madhhab al-Mansr f l-ilm.50
Many students and younger colleagues of Dawn refrained from
supporting his side in the controversies, at least in writing. Dawns
most renowned student, Mr H usayn al-Maybud, does not deal with
these issues in those works of his which have so far been identified.
Another of Dawns students, Ilh Ardabl, who refers to his master
as ustdh al-aqs wa-l-adn, does not hesitate to criticize him in his
own glosses on Qshchs commentary on T ss Tajrd al-itiqd and
in his commentary on Dawns Rislat Ithbt al-wjib al-jadda.51
50
See Nayrz, Sharh Rislat Ithbt al-wjib al-jadda, MS ehid Ali 2761, f. 34b:5.
51
Neither Sharh Rislat Ithbt al-wjib al-jadda nor H shiya al sharh al-jadd
li-Tajrd al-itiqd of Ilh Ardabl were at my disposal. I therefore relied on Abd
al-H usayn H irs descriptions of MS Majlis 1762 (H shiyat sharh Tajrd al-itiqd)
(Cat. vol. 5, pp. 1402) and MS Majlis 1841 (Sharh Ithbt al-wjib) (Cat. vol. 5,
pp. 3012). Ilh Ardabls philosophical writings have yet to be studied.
nayrz and the two strands of philosophy in shiraz 87
52
Sadr al-Dn al-Dashtak and Dawn both took Taftzns solution from the
latters commentary on his own Maqsid. For Ktibs solution, both relied on his
Sharh al-Kashf, which is a commentary on Afdal al-Dn al-Khnajs (d. 646/1248)
Kashf al-asrr an ghawmid al-afkr f l-mantiq. Nasr al-Dn al-T ss solution is
taken by Dawn from T ss Tadl al-miyr f naqd tanzl al-asrr, whereas Sadr
al-Dns source for this solution was an unidentified work of Allma H ill. For Mr
Sayyid al-Sharf al-Jurjns solution, Dawn refers to his source as some folios (bad
al-awrq). Dashtaks source for the latters solution is an unidentified work of Shams
al-Dn Muhammad b. Al al-Jurjn. They both took Ibn Kammnas solution from
his correspondence with Ktib (which is lost). Samarqands solution is taken by both
from the latters commentary on his own Qists. See Sadr al-Dn al-Dashtaks Risla
fi shubhat jadhr al-asamm and Dawns Nihyat al-kalm, in Dawzdah risla dar
prduks-i durghg, pp. 2835, 10319.
53
See Dawn, Nihyat al-kalm, pp. 1368.
88 chapter two
54
See Sadr al-Dn al-Dashtak, Risla f shubhat jadhr al-asamm, pp. 556.
55
See Dawn, Nihyat al-kalm, pp. 1368.
nayrz and the two strands of philosophy in shiraz 89
prehend the meaning of this word that the fixed ideas did not [even]
catch the scent of existence, neither did they become manifest. Indeed,
they will never become manifest; what is manifest is merely their image
(al-ayn al-thbita m shammat rih at al-wujd wa-annah lam tazhir
wa-l tazhiru abadan bal innam yazhiru rasmuh).56
These two novel analogies suggest that Dawn was trying to explain
the relation between the cause and the caused in a manner that was
different from that of his predecessors. But from the text of al-Zawr
itself it is not entirely clear what Dawn intended to say. His liken-
ing the relation of the cause and the caused to a relation of substance
and accident in the case of the body and the colour black and to
a relation of matter and form in the case of garment and cotton
complicates the issue rather than clarifying it. In the autocommentary
on this text (entitled al-H awr), which he composed a year later, in
871/1467, the above passage is explained as follows:
This means that each one of the inner realities (al-h aqiq)57 when con-
sidered as an independent essence apart from the essence of its cause,
as by some narrow-minded people, is impossible in respect of existence
(wujdan) and in respect of [concrete] manifestation (zuhran). First,
nothing other than the True (al-h aqq), who is necessary in Himself, can
plausibly be called existent in the true sense (mawjdan h aqqiyyan).
Secondly, appearance originates from being related to the existence of
the True (al-wujd al-h aqq)58 and these [inner realities] are supposed to
have an essence other than His. Therefore, it is not conceivable that they
are related to Him. But if they are considered as being a consequence of
Him (tbiatan lah) and subsisting through Him (qimatan bih), they
are existent (mawjd) in the sense that they are related to the existence
(wujd), or they are apparent (zhir).
56
Jall al-Dn al-Dawn, al-Zawr, in Sab rasil, pp. 1745. In his commentary on
al-Zawr, Dawn treats the last sentence of the above passage as a quotation, although
he does not specify from whom it derives. See Jall al-Dn al-Dawn, al-H awr
[Sharh al-Zawr], in Sab rasil, p. 207. The first part of this quotation (i.e., The fixed
ideas did not [even] catch the scent of existence) is extracted from Ibn Arabs Fuss
al-h ikam (ed. Abu al-Al al-Aff, Beirut [1966], p. 76:123) and the rest seems to be
a clarification by one of Ibn Arabs followers.
57
H aqqa, which is translated in the above quotation as inner reality, is here and
often in the philosophical texts after Ibn Sn interchangeable with mhiyya (quid-
dity).
58
The edition of Tysirkn has al-mawjd al-h aqq instead of al-wujd al-h aqq.
The latter, which I prefer, is the reading of MS Majlis 1836, mentioned by Tysirkn
in the critical apparatus.
90 chapter two
The fixed ideas (al-ayn al-thbita), that is to say these inner realities
(al-h aqiq), when they are considered on their own by [the faculty of]
estimation (wahm), do not exist. For instance, the fixed idea of the human
being, which is a quiddity (mhiyya) separate from the True (al-h aqq),
who is described by specific attributes (al-muttasif bi-l-sift al-makhssa),
does not exist at all, [nor] does any inner reality attach to its impossibility
(l h aqqata li-istih latahu). That is not in the sense that it is related to
existence, since in this respect [i.e., conceived of as a separate, indepen-
dent quiddity] it does not have any relation with existence. But it is as
if the True tinges ( yansabigh) it, in the sense that His image (rasmah)
appears in it. [Then] separate from its essence it is described as existent
(mawjd), in the sense that it belongs to the existence (yataallaqu bi-l-
wujd). The existent (al-mawjd) according to the truth-seekers is that
whose inner reality (h aqqa) is existence (wujd). Others do not exist
in the true sense, since existence is not a description to subsist through
others. Rather, it is a true essence. Of course there are existents other
than Him, [but only] in the sense that they depend on existence and their
appearance is through Him.59
In sum, in the above passage Dawn asserts that only the True
(al-h aqq), whose existence is His essence, is truly existent. Other beings,
given that they are all caused, are only existent in the sense that the
True tinges (insabagha) them. By using the verb to tinge he wants to
say that existence is not part of the essence of a caused being. Dawn
therefore disagrees with the Avicennan notion that what is contingent
in itself (mumkin al-wujd bi-l-dht) can be necessarily existent through
another (wjib al-wujd bi-l-ghayr).60 That is presumably the reason
why he explains the relationship as one of cause and caused and as
the True (h aqq) and inner reality (h aqqa), without having recourse
to necessity.
In his later works, such as his glosses on Qshchs commentary
on Tajrd al-itiqd and in his Rislat Ithbt al-wjib al-jadda, this
idea appears in a more developed and sophisticated manner. In these
works he differentiates between the concepts of existent (mawjd) and
existence (wujd) and argues that whereas contingent beings are to be
called mawjd, the Necessary Existent is to be considered as wujd.
Mawjd as a term is derived from wujd, which is infinitive in nature,
so that the meaning of mawjd is based completely on its relation with
its root w-j-d. Contingent beings originate from existence and their
59
Dawn, al-H awr, in Sab rasil, pp. 2078.
60
On this issue in Avicennas philosophy, see Robert Wisnovsky, Avicennas Meta-
physics in Context, London 2003, pp. 24563.
nayrz and the two strands of philosophy in shiraz 91
61
Reading h aqq for h aqqa in the edition.
62
Dawn, Rislat Ithbt al-wjib al-jadda, in Sab rasil, p. 129. Although here
Dawn follows Farb in referring to mawjd as secondary intelligible, his idea that
things are mawjd through a wujd really distinct from their essences, differs from the
notion of Frb, who regarded this as a basic metaphysical error. For Farbs view on
this matter see Stephen Menn, al-Frbs Kitb al-H rf and His Analysis of the Senses
of Being, Arabic Science and Philosophy, 18 (2008), pp. 5997, esp. pp. 7584.
92 chapter two
63
Dawn, Rislat Ithbt al-wjib al-jadda, in Sab rasil, p. 129.
64
See, e.g., Dawn, H shiya al sharh Tajrd al-itiqd, MS Majlis 1752,
f. 50b.
65
Idh quln kadh mawjdan, fa-l-man bihi anna l-wujd man khrij anhu.
See Dawn, al-H shiya al-qadma al sharh Tajrd al-itiqd, MS Majlis 1752, f. 49b
(with some modifications). This statement in the edition of Bahmanyrs al-Tah sl (ed.
Murtad Mut ahhar, Tehran 1349/1971) appears in the footnote of p. 285 as follows:
Idh quln kadh mawjdan, fa-laysa l-man bihi anna l-wujd man khrij anhu.
This reading, which has the opposite meaning, seems to be mistaken since it contra-
dicts the argument of Bahmanyr in the lines follows. Therefore, Dawns reading
should be preferred.
66
Dawn says: muqaddamt hdh l-kalm min al-shaykh, see Dawn, al-H shiya
al-qadma al sharh Tajrd al-itiqd, MS Majlis 1752, f. 50a.
67
See Dawn, al-H shiya al-qadma al sharh Tajrd al-itiqd, MS Majlis 1752,
f. 50a. Dawn explains the view of Ibn Sn by quoting from the latters al-Shif:
Everything that has quiddity other than [individual] existence is a caused (Avicenna,
The Metaphysics of the Healing: A Parallel English and Arabic text, Translated Introduced
and Annotated by Michael E. Marmura, Provo-Utah 2005, p. 276).
68
See Dawn, H awsh al sharh Tajrd al-itiqd, MS Majlis 1752, f. 50a: 157. For
the quotation in Arabic, see below, p. 200, no. 7 (Appendix IV: Quotations from Unpub-
lished Sources). The quotation corresponds to Nasr al-Dn al-T ss assertion in his
Sharh al-Ishrt wa-l-tanbht. See al-Ishrt wa-l-tanbht maa l-sharh li-l-muh aqqiq
Nasr al-Dn Muh ammad b. Muh ammad b. al-H asan al-T s wa-sharh li-l-allma Qutb
al-Dn Muh ammad b. Muh ammad b. Ab Jafar al-Rz, Qum 1375/1996, vol. 3, p. 57.
nayrz and the two strands of philosophy in shiraz 93
69
Wujd al-mah d ghayr rid [an] al-mhiyya. Dawn, H shiya al sharh Tajrd
al-itiqd, MS Majlis 1752, ff. 49b50a.
70
Dawn, Rislat Ithbt al-wjib al-jadda, in Saba rasil, pp. 13940.
71
See Dawn, Rislat Ithbt al-wjib al-jadda, in Saba rasil, pp. 12737. On this
sophistry and the philosophical discussions raised by it see Reza Pourjavady & Sabine
Schmidtke, A Jewish Philosopher of Baghdad. Izz al-Dawla Ibn Kammna (d. 683/1284)
and His Writings, Leiden 2006, pp. 3751.
94 chapter two
72
Dawn, H shiya al sharh Tajrd al-itiqd, MS Majlis 1752, f. 50b: 146. For
the quotation in Arabic, see below, p. 200, no. 8 (Appendix IV: Quotations from
Unpublished Sources).
73
Sadr al-Dn al-Dashtak refers to this idea as dhawq al-h ukama al-mutaallihn,
see, e.g., his glosses on the commentary on Tajrd al-itiqd, MS Majlis 1998, f. 68b:
202. Among the later philosophers, H jj Mull Hd al-Sabzawr (d. 1289/1878)
refers to Dawns view as dhawq al-taalluh. See H jj Mull Hd Sabzawr, Sharh
Ghurar al-farid or Sharh Manzma (Part One: Metaphysics), eds. M. Muhaqqiq &_T.
Izutsu, Tehran 1348/1969, pp. 5, 567.
74
Dawn states: wa-li-hdh sarrah a al-muallim al-thn wa-l-shaykh [Ab] Al
anna m tawahhamahu urf al-lugha min itlq al-mawjd alayhi tal majz; Dawn,
Rislat Ithbt al-wjib al-jadda, in Sab rasil, p. 132.
75
See Sadr al-Dn al-Dashtak, H shiya al sharh Tajrd al-itiqd, MS Majlis 1998,
ff. 67a74b.
nayrz and the two strands of philosophy in shiraz 95
From al-Shif:
Hence, everything that has a quiddity is caused. The rest of the things,
other than the Necessary Existent, have quiddities. And it is these quid-
dities that in themselves are possible in existence, existence occurring to
them externally. The First, hence, has no quiddity. Those things possessing
quiddities have existence emanate on them from Him. He is pure exis-
tence with the condition of negating privation and all other description
of Him. Moreover, the rest of the things possessing quiddities are pos-
sible, coming into existence through Him. The meaning of the statement,
He is pure existence with the condition of negating all other additional
[attributes] of Him, is not that this is the absolute existence in which
there is participation [by others]. If there is an existent with this descrip-
tion, it would not be the pure existent with the condition of negation,
but the existent without the condition of positive affirmation. I mean,
regarding the First, that He is the existent with the condition that there is
no additional composition, whereas this other is the existent without the
condition of [this] addition. For this reason, the universal is predicated
of all things, whereas [pure existence] is not predicated of anything that
has addition. Everything other than Him has addition.76
From the Talqt:
What we mean by saying that his quiddity is his existence is that he does
not have any quiddity.77
From the Talqt:
The First has no quiddity, thus the denial of any quiddity from him is
absolute.78
According to Sadr al-Dn, Nasr al-Dn al-T s seems to have been
unfamiliar (lam yatta li) with the assertions of Ibn Sn quoted above,
as in his commentary on the Ishrt he takes it to mean that He has a
76
Sadr al-Dn al-Dashtak, H shiya al sharh Tajrd al-itiqd, MS Majlis 1998, ff.
67a:1967b:3. The translation of this quotation is based on Marmuras (Ibn Sn, The
Metaphysics of the Healing, pp. 276:27277:8).
77
Wa-man qawlun: mhiyyatuhu inniyyatuhu, annahu l mhiyya lahu. Sadr
al-Dn al-Dashtak, H shiya al sharh Tajrd al-itiqd, MS Majlis 1998, f. 67b:23. The
closest statement that I found in Abd al-Rahmn al-Badaws edition of Talqt (Cairo
1975 [reprinted Qum 1379/2000], p. 224) runs as follows: M h aqqatuhu inniyyatuhu
fa-l mhiyya lahu.
78
Al-awwal l mhiyya lahu fa-nafy al-mahiyya anhu mutlaqan. Sadr al-Dn
al-Dashtak, H shiya al sharh Tajrd al-itiqd, MS Majlis 1998, f. 67b:23. I was unable
to find this quotation in Abd al-Rahmn al-Badaws edition of Talqt.
96 chapter two
79
See Sadr al-Dn al-Dashtak, H shiya al sharh Tajrd al-itiqd, MS Majlis 1998,
f. 68a:25.
80
Kullu m l yadkhul al-wujd f mafhm dhtihi al m itabarn qablu fa-l-
wujd ghayr muqawwim lahu f mhiyyatihi. Ibn Sn, al-Ishrt wa-l-tanbht maa
al-sharh li-l-muh aqqiq, vol. 3, p. 57.
81
Nasr al-Dn al-T s, al-Ishrt wa-l-tanbht maa al-sharh li-l-muh aqqiq, vol.
3, p. 58.
82
In his Shif, Ibn Sn states that the Necessary Existent has no quiddity, whereas
his wording in the Ishrt seems to allow for Nasr al-Dn al-T ss interpretation that
His existence is His quiddity.
nayrz and the two strands of philosophy in shiraz 97
83
See Sadr al-Dn al-Dashtak, H shiya al sharh Tajrd al-itiqd, MS Majlis 1998,
f. 23b:623. Sadr al-Dns explanation here concerns mhiyya bi-shart l. For this notion
and the discussions about it among the philosophers after Nasr al-Dn al-T s, see
Toshihiko Izutsu, Basic Problems of Abstract Quiddity, Mantiq u mabh ith-i alfz
(Collected Texts and Papers on Logic and Language), eds. M. Mohaghegh & T. Izutsu,
Tehran 1974, pp. 125. Izutsus study covers the disputation between Sadr al-Dn
al-Dashtak and Dawn on this issue. However, relying merely on a secondary source,
namely Abd al-Razzq al-Lhjs commentary on Tajrd al-itiqd, Izutsu attributes Sadr
al-Dns investigations on this issue to the latters son, Ghiyth al-Dn (pp. 179).
84
Nasr al-Dn al-T ss exact assertion in his commentary on Ibn Sns al-Ishrt
wa-l-tanbht is as follows: wa-yalzamu taqaddum al-mhiyya al l-wujd bi-l-dht.
Nasr al-Dn al-T s, al-Ishrt wa-l-tanbht maa l-sharh li-l-muh aqqiq Nasr al-Dn
Muh ammad b. Muh ammad b. al-H asan al- T s, vol. 3, p. 57.
85
Nafs al-amr, literally meaning the thing of itself , i.e., regardless of whether
the thing exists in the mind or in the concrete, extramental world, is a technical term
which does not have an equivalent in English.
86
Sadr al-Dn al-Dashtak, H shiya al sharh Tajrd al-itiqd, MS Majlis 1998,
f. 24a:104. For the quotation in Arabic, see below, p. 200, no. 9 (Appendix IV: Quo-
tations from Unpublished Sources). I was unable to find Sadr al-Dns quotation in
Masri al-musra, ed. Wilferd Madelung, Tehran 1383/2004.
98 chapter two
87
Sadr al-Dn al-Dashtak, H shiya al sharh Tajrd al-itiqd, MS Majlis 1998,
f. 68b:1621. For the quotation in Arabic, see below, pp. 2001, no. 10 (Appendix IV:
Quotations from Unpublished Sources).
88
Sadr al-Dn al-Dashtak, H shiya al sharh Tajrd al-itiqd, MS Majlis 1998,
f. 72b:156.
nayrz and the two strands of philosophy in shiraz 99
89
See Nayrz, Tah rr Tajrd al-aqid, MS Majlis 3968, ff. 33a:124b:24.
90
This parallelism is based on Ibn Sns idea of the Active Intellect (al-aql al-fal),
which assigns forms both to the sublunar bodies (ajsm) and to the rational souls. On
Ibn Sns idea of mental existence, see Deborah L. Black, Mental Existence in Thomas
Aquinas and Avicenna, Mediaeval Studies, 61 (1999), pp. 4579, esp. pp. 4761; Robert
Wisnovsky, Avicenna and Avicennian Tradition, The Cambridge Companion to Arabic
Philosophy, eds. Peter Adamson and Richard Taylor, Cambridge 2005, pp. 92136.
100 chapter two
And because these [mental forms] are influences (thr) in the soul and
are not the entities of these things, nor examples of these things subsist-
ing in either corporeal or psychological materials, these [influences] are,
hence, accidents in the soul.91
Dawn suggests that this assertion of Ibn Sn must be regarded as a
loose way of expression (al wajh al-musmah a), since the quiddities
in mental existence cannot be described as accidental qualities in the
strict sense. Assuming that these quiddities correspond to the forms
of external things, the quiddity of a substance, such as animal, in the
mind or soul should be similarly a substance, but it is taken by Ibn Sn
to be like a quality. It would be like saying, Zayd is truely in the house,
but he is not truely Zayd (Zayd h sil f l-dr h aqqatan wa-lkinnahu
laysa Zaydan h aqqatan). This is a contradictory statement, which is
not even appropriate for poetic fantasy (al-mutakhayyil al-shir), let
alone for philosophical investigation (al-tah qq al-ilm).92 Dawn,
then, suggests that the category of a quiddity in the mind corresponds
to the category of that object in the external world. If something in
the external world is substance, its mental form is such that if it exists
outside the mind, it would be substance. And if it is an accident in the
mind, it is such that if it exists outside the mind, it would be the same
category of accident.93
Sadr al-Dn objects to this suggestion of Dawn, supporting instead,
as was characteristic of him, the view of Ibn Sn. Sadr al-Dn quotes
a passage from Ibn Sns Shif, which shows that the latter was not
careless but fully aware of the consequences of his assertion:
If it is said, You have rendered the quiddity of substance to be at one
time an accident and at another time a substance, when [in fact] you
have disallowed this, we say, We have also disallowed that the quid-
dity of something is [such that] it would exist in external reality at one
time [as] an accident and at another time [as] a substance, whereby it
would in external reality be [at one time] needing some subject and [at
another time] in [external reality] not needing a subject at all. But we did
not disallow that what is intellectually apprehended of these quiddities
91
The translation of this quotation is based on Marmuras (Ibn Sn, The Metaphys-
ics of the Healing, p. 110).
92
Dawn, H shiya jadda al l-sharh al-jadd li-Tajrd al-itiqd, MS Majlis 1999,
f. 105b.
93
Dawn, H shiya jadda al l-sharh al-jadd li-Tajrd al-itiqd, MS Majlis 1999,
f. 105b7a.
nayrz and the two strands of philosophy in shiraz 101
94
Sadr al-Dn al-Dashtak, Hshiya al l-sharh al-jadd li-Tajrd al-itiqd, MS Majlis
1998, f. 33ab. The translation of the quotation is based on Marmuras (Ibn Sn, The
Metaphysics of the Healing, p. 109).
95
See Sadr al-Dn al-Dashtak, Hawsh al l-sharh al-jadd li-Tajrd al-itiqd, MS
Majlis 1998, ff. 26a35a, esp. ff. 30b-1a.
96
See Dawn, Hawsh jadda al l-sharh al-jadd li-Tajrd al-itiqd, MS Majlis
1999, ff. 106a7a. For an analysis of the view of Sadr al-Dn al-Dashtak and Dawn
on mental existence, see Abdullh Shakb, Shinkht az ddgh-i Sadr al-mutaallihn,
Khiradnma-yi Sadr, 3 (1375/1996), pp. 617; idem, Barras-yi thr u afkr-i falsaf-i
Mr Sadr al-Dn Dashtak, pp. 195207.
102 chapter two
that Gods knowledge does not depend upon things.97 Dawn argued
that Gods knowledge, as mental existence, is self-sustained, whereas
Sadr al-Dn maintained that as mental existence His knowledge is not
self-sustained. Dawn explains that Gods knowledge is not produced
through cognitive forms being imprinted (murtasam) upon His mind,
since this contradicts Gods being simple. Instead of cognitive forms,
Dawn explains His knowledge to be existential, which he describes as
a cognitive existence (al-wujd al-ilm). That is to say, His knowledge
is the very wujd. 98 Therefore, wujd in itself is Gods knowledge and
the origin of all differentiating forms (al-suwar al-tafsliyya) in the
external world.99
Like Dawn, Sadr al-Dn al-Dashtak opposes the idea of forms being
imprinted in Gods knowledge. But instead he suggests an explanation
with the help of the notion of cause (al-muqtad). According to Sadr
al-Dn, there are two ways of distinguishing things from each other. One
is on the basis of their forms, because of the correspondence (intibq)
and attestation (ishr) of the form to a specific thing. The concept of
writer, for instance, which is sustained in the mind and to which the
mind attests (mushir bihi), is identical with someone who writes in the
external world. The second way, however, is on the basis of the cause.
The cause necessarily determines the effects essence and its attributes
(al-dht al-muqtad wa-siftih). Sadr al-Dn argues that God knows
things because He knows the requirement (al-muqtad) of the whole
world. Although Sadr al-Dns idea relies heavily on Ibn Sns theory
of Gods knowledge, he made it distinct by referring to the process of
this simple knowledge as cognitive witnessing (al-shuhd al-ilm):100
When the form of something, which makes the thing distinct from oth-
ers, is produced by the perceiver, knowledge of that thing is obtained.
Likewise, when its requirement (al-muqtad) by means of which the
thing is distinct is produced by the perceiver, knowledge of that thing
is obtained. Then, when the cause of the whole world as it is in and of
itself, is single without any multiplicity, and every atom of the existence is
distinct from one another by its necessity, it is not implausible [to say] that
97
On Ibn Sns theory of Gods knowledge, see Michael E. Marmura, Some Aspects
of Avicennas Theory of Gods Knowledge of Particulars, Journal of the American
Oriental Society, 82, 3 (1962), pp. 299312.
98
See Dawn, Rislat Ithbt al-wjib al-jadda, in Sab rasil, p. 148.
99
Dawn, Rislat Ithbt al-wjib al-jadda, in Sab rasil, p. 148.
100
Sadr al-Dn al-Dashtak, Rislat Ithbt al-wjib, MS Sehid Ali Pasa 2761, f. 96:
126.
nayrz and the two strands of philosophy in shiraz 103
101
Sadr al-Dn al-Dashtak, Rislat Ithbt al-wjib, MS Sehid Ali Pasa 2761, ff.
96a:1797b:1. For the quotation in Arabic, see below, p. 201, no. 11 (Appendix IV:
Quotations from Unpublished Sources).
102
The controversy on this issue reportedly occurred in the glosses on Qshchs
commentary on T ss Tajrd al-itiqd written by Sadr al-Dn al-Dashtak and Dawn.
However, I was unable to trace it in these glosses. The source which was used was
Ghiyth al-Dn al-Dashtaks Talqt al l-sharh al-jadd li-Tajrd al-itiqd and his
Kashf al-h aqiq al-Muh ammadiyya, where the views of both Sadr al-Dn al-Dashtak
and Dawn on this issue are quoted from their respective glosses on Qshchs com-
mentary on Tajrd al-itiqd.
104 chapter two
not its growing and sensitivity likewise when a human being changes
[through death] to a state which does not have magnitude, position, and
place, it is to say that it is changed to something abstract (mujarrad).
[Thus] the abstraction which was potential in it becomes actual and there
is no reason to refuse this.103
It appears from the above statement that Sadr al-Dn regards the human
soul as not separated before death and views the separated character
of the soul as being only potentially so during life. Sadr al-Dn further
elucidates that what is understood from the word I is a meaning to
which it is plausible to predicate at the same time both being percep-
tive of the universals as well as being in a sitting position (jlis). If
what was meant by I was merely the body, it would have been false to
predicate perceiver of the universals to it, since the body is material
and the perceiver of the universals is something separated (mujarrad).
If what was meant by I were either the soul alone or the composition
of the soul and the body, it would have been false to say I am in a
sitting position, because a separated entity does not sit. Nor does the
composition of a material entity and a separated one sit either.104
Contrary to Sadr al-Dn, Dawn maintains that the souls task is the
management (tadbr) and control (tasarruf ) of the body. Therefore
the two are not in a state of unity; rather, the body is in possession of
the soul. To Dawn, the argument from I am in a sitting position
which is used by Sadr al-Dn is just a customary extension of a term
(itlqt urf), which cannot be used as a basis to attain philosophical
truths (h aqiq falsafiyya). Moreover, Ibn Sn and other philosophers
used I only to refer to the separated soul. Dawn further argues
that it has been well established that the perceiver of the universals is
separated. If Sadr al-Dn is correct in his argument, the soul is only able
to perceive the universals after death, not while it is together with the
body.105 Dawn also criticises this idea from a religious point of view:
to him this belief would lead to denial of the resurrection.106
103
Ghiyth al-Dn al-Dashtak, Kashf al-h a qiq al-Muh a mmadiyya, in
Musannaft-i Ghiyth al-Dn, p. 975.
104
See Ghiyth al-Dn al-Dashtak, Kashf al-h aqiq al-Muh ammadiyya, in
Musannaft-i Ghiyth al-Dn, pp. 9746.
105
See Ghiyth al-Dn al-Dashtaks Talqt al l-sharh al-jadd li-l-Tajrd, in
Musannaft-i Ghiyth al-Dn, pp. 65569.
106
See Ghiyth al-Dn al-Dashtaks Talqt al l-sharh al-jadd li-l-Tajrd, in
Musannaft-i Ghiyth al-Dn, pp. 6356.
nayrz and the two strands of philosophy in shiraz 105
WORKS OF NAYRZ
1
Among the works that Nayrz wrote during the lifetime of Sadr al-Dn al-Dashtak
were his glosses on Qshchs commentary on T ss Tajrd al-itiqd and his com-
mentary on Abhars Hidyat al-h ikma. See below, pp. 1114.
2
In his commentary on Tahdhb al-mantiq, Nayrz included Persian quota-
tions from Nasr al-Dn al-T ss Sharh al-Thamarat li-Batlamys (MS Majlis 3968,
f. 14b:13), Ibn Sns Dnishnma-yi Aly (f. 149b:25) and Frzbds Sifr al-sada
(f. 303b:158). In his commentary on Taftzns Tahdhb al-mantiq, he quotes from
Nas r al-Dn al-T ss Persian work on logic, Ass al-iqtibs (MS Ridaw 1088, ff.
104b5a).
3
According to George Saliba, this genre has to be viewed as the functional equiva-
lent of todays periodical literature in the research, where new findings were made
public. See G. Saliba, Writing the History of Arabic Astronomy: Problems and Dif-
ferent Perspectives. Journal of the American Oriental Society, 116 (1996), p. 714.
4
Among the well-known commentaries written by T s in the field of philosophy
and theology are his al-Masri al-Musri (a commentary on Shahrastns al-Musri),
his Naqd al-Muh assa l (a commentary on Fakhr al-Dn al-Rzs al-Muh assa l other-
wise known as Talkhs al-Muhassa l ), and his commentary on Ibn Sns al-Ishrt
wa-l-tanbht. For a bibliography of Nas r al-Dn al-T ss works see Muhammad Taq
Mudarris Ridaw, Ah wl u thr-i khwja Nasr al-Dn-i T s, Tehran 1379/2000.
works of nayrz 107
5
The only exception is his commentary on Abhars Hidyat al-h ikma, in which he
remains silent regarding other works of Abhar, presumably because he did not have
access to any of them.
6
Nayrzs colophon at the end of his commentary on Hidyat al-h ikma (MS
Carullah 1327, f. 219a) shows that he completed the composition of this work in
904/14989 in Shiraz, and that he completed a copy of it on 12 Safar 916/20 May
1510 in Isfahan. In the same colophon he refers to his commentaries on Dawns
Rislat Ithbt al-wjib al-jadda and Nasr al-Dn al-T ss Tajrd al-itiqd, which
shows that these works were composed prior to the date of the completion of this
copy, i.e. 12 Safar 916/20 May 1510. However, the authors colophon of MS Mill
Frs 55 (f. 260a) indicates that he completed a copy of his commentary on Tajrd
al-itiqd on 2 Rab I 919/8 May1513. The date of authorship of his commentary on
Rislat Ithbt al-wjib al-jadda was also changed by Nayrz to the chronogram Ithbt
wjibih, i.e., 921/15156 (see MS Majlis 184, f. 156a). His commentary on al-Alwh
al-Imdiyya was first completed on 5 Rab II 930/10 February 1524. Two years later
his commentary on Suhrawards postscript (dhayl) to the Alwh was added at the
end of the commentary. Nayrz copied this commentary at least once more. MS ehid
Ali 1739, completed on 5 Rab II 943/9 January 1527, was copied from an autograph
copy; see below, p. 177 (Appendix I: Inventory of Nayrzs Writings).
108 chapter three
7
See Dhara, vol. 2, pp. 4067, no. 1627, vol. 6, p. 26, no. 102.
8
This is the rhyming phrase he uses in the introduction to his glosses on H ikmat
al-ishrq and on Qutb al-Dn al-Shrzs commentary (MS Laleli 2523, f. 2b), in the
introduction to and in the colophon of his Risla f Tayn jiht al-ajsm wa-nihytih
(MS Malik 2614, ff. 2b, 22a), in the introduction to his Risla Ithbt al-wjib (MS
Malik 688, f. 115b), in the introduction and in the colophon of his commentary on
Hidyat al-h ikma (MS Carullah, ff. 1b, 218b), and in the introduction to his commen-
tary on al-Alwh al-Imdiyya (Misbh al-arwh ) (MS ehid Ali 1739, f. 2b).
9
This phrase has been used in the colophon of his commentary on Tajrd al-itiqd
(MS Princeton 70, f. 121a), and at the end of his commentary on al-Alwh al-Imdiyya
(Misbh al-arwh ) (MS ehid Ali 1739, f. 208a).
10
This phrase has been used in the introduction to his commentary Tahdhb
al-mantiq wa-l-kalm (MS ehid Ali 1780, f. 1b).
11
The authenticity of this sign is certain because of being used in his autograph
of his glosses on H ikmat al-ishrq and on its commentary (MSS Marash 4266). The
same sign is preserved in some later copies of his glosses, namely another copy of his
glosses on H ikmat al-ishrq and on its commentary (MS Laleli 2523) as well as a copy
of his glosses on Shawkil al-hr f sharh Haykil al-nr (MS Majlis 1887, copied by
the authors son).
works of nayrz 109
Two items written by the hand of Nayrz are known to have been
preserved: 1) A fragment from the beginning of his commentary on
Taftzns Tahdhb al-mantiq wa-l-kalm (MS ehid Ali Paa 1780)
[Fig. 1], and 2) a copy of Qutb al-Dn al-Shrzs commentary on
Suhrawards H ikmat al-Ishrq containing Nayrzs glosses on the text
and Qutb al-Dn al-Shrzs commentary (MS Marash 4266) [Fig. 2].
The latter also contains an example of Nayrzs seal [Fig. 3].
12
See Ghiyth al-Dn al-Dashtak, Talqt al l-sharh al-jadd li-l-Tajrd, in
Musannaft-i Ghiyth al-Dn, vol. 2, pp. 9857.
13
On this commentary see below, pp. 1214.
works of nayrz 111
1498. Thus, this work is one of his earliest writings, if not his very first
composition.
14
Nayrz, Sharh Hidyat al-h ikma, MS Carullah 1327, f. 2a. For Nayrzs whole intro-
duction to this work, see below, pp. 16970 (Appendix I: Inventory of Nayrzz Writings).
15
See Nayrz, Sharh Hidyat al-h ikma, ff. 87b88a.
16
See Nayrz, Sharh Hidyat al-h ikma, f. 104b (reference to Sharh Tahdhb
al-mantiq wa-l-kalm), and ff. 104b, 108b, 132a, 154b (reference to Sharh Tajrd
al-itiqd). Apart from these two works, Nayrz makes reference to a commentary he
wrote on an unidentified epistle (sharh bad al-rasil), which may correspond to his
commentary on Dawns Rislat Ithbt al-wjib al-jadda (f. 160b:17).
112 chapter three
17
For the lithograph edition of this work see above, p. 2, fn. 7.
18
For the location of an autograph copy of this commentary, see above, p. 4, fn. 19.
19
A manuscript of this commentary is preserved in the British Museum (MS Or.
9443).
20
Maybuds commentary became popular soon after its composition. Another stu-
dent of Sadr al-Dn al-Dashtak, Taq al-Dn al-Shrz, wrote glosses on it. For the
commentaries and glosses written on Hidyat al-h ikma, see Akbar Thubt, Hidyat
al-hikma u Shurh-i n, Khirad-i jwidn: Jashnnma-yi ustd sayyid Jall al-Dn
shtiyn, ed. Al As ghar Muhammadkhn & H asan Sayyid Arab, Tehran 1378/1999,
pp. 135150.
21
See Nayrz, Sharh Hidyat al-h ikma, MS Carullah 1327, f. 5a:179.
22
Nayrz, Sharh Hidyat al-h ikma, MS Carullah 1327, f. 1b:92a:8.
23
See, for example, Nayrz, Sharh Hidyat al-h ikma, MS Carullah 1327, f. 154a:13.
works of nayrz 113
it would have greatly extended the length of the book.24 Near the end
of the commentary, where Abhar refers to his more elaborate work,
Zubdat al-asrr, there is further evidence to confirm Nayrzs use of
Maybuds commentary. Maybud had recommended to his readers
to turn to the works of Ibn Sn and Suhraward rather than to the
Zubdat al-asrr. This suggestion is objected to by Nayrz, who states
that the reference is given to the authors Zubdat al-asrr and not, as
most of the commentators suggest, to the Shif, the Najt, or the
H ikmat al-Ishrq.25
In addition to Maybuds commentary (and possibly those others)
on this text, Nayrz consulted other sources, some of which are
explicitly mentioned in his commentary, such as the Uthljiy
(Theology), which he attributes in his commentary to Aristotle,26
Ibn Sns al-Shif, al-Najt and al-Ishrt wa-l-tanbht, and various
commentaries written on the Ishrt by Fakhr al-Dn al-Rz, Nasr
al-Dn al-T s (to whom he refers as al-Muh aqqiq) and Qutb al-Dn
al-Rz. Nayrz also used Bahmanyrs al-Tahsl and refers on one
occasion to Ibn Zaylas Talkhs al-Shif.27 There are also references
to Shams al-Dn al-Shahrazrs Rasil al-Shajara al-ilhiyya,28 Fakhr
al-Dn al-Rzs al-Mabh ith al-mashriqiyya,29 and Taftzns Sharh
al-Maqsid.30 No reference, however, is made to any other work by
Abhar, probably because no other philosophical works of Abhar were
available to him.31
24
Nayrz, Sharh Hidyat al-h ikma, MS Carullah 1327, f. 4a:16.
25
Nayrz, Sharh Hidyat al-h ikma, MS Carullah 1327, f. 218b.
26
Nayrz, Sharh Hidyat al-h ikma, MS Carullah 1327, f. 211:18. On the so-called
Theology of Aristotle, see Cristina DAncona, Greek into Arabic: Neoplatonism in
translation, in The Cambridge Companion to Arabic Philosophy, eds. Peter Adamson
& Richard C. Taylor, Cambridge 2005, pp. 1031, esp. pp. 246.
27
See Nayrz, Sharh Hidyat al-h ikma, MS Carullah 1327, f. 143b:21. In
Shahrazrs Nuzhat al-arwh wa- rawdat al-afrh f trkh al-h ukam (ed. Sayyid
Khurshd Ahmad, Hyderabad 1396/1976, vol. 2, p. 59) this work is referred to as
Ikhtisr T abiyt al-Shif. On Ibn Zayla and his works see Taq Bnish, Ibn Zayla, in
Dirat al-marif-i buzurg-i islm, vol. 3, Tehran 1374/1995, pp. 64952. According
to Bnish (p. 650) this work is lost.
28
See Nayrz, Sharh Hidyat al-h ikma, MS Carullah 1327, ff. 173a:7; 140a:7;
143b:21; 144a:11; 146b:19; 149b:3; 215a:13.
29
Nayrz, Sharh Hidyat al-h ikma, MS Carullah 1327, f. 164b:8.
30
Nayrz, Sharh Hidyat al-h ikma, MS Carullah 1327, f. 166b:19.
31
On Athir al-Dn al-Abhars writings, see Heidrun Eichner, Athir al-Dn
al-Abhar Encyclopaedia of Islam Three, ed. Gudrun Krmer, Denis Matringe, John
Nawas, and Everett Rowson, forthcoming.
114 chapter three
This work, which is one of the two independent works of Nayrz, was
completed on 24 Rab II 911/23 September 1505. It was dedicated to
someone referred to as al-malik al-majd iy al-milla wa-l-duny wa-l-
dn Sadd,33 who apart from being a ruler, must have been a scholar since
Nayrz praises him as mawl al-fdil and allmat al-asr.34 Nevertheless,
the scant reference does not allow for his identification.
This treatise, which discusses the finitude of dimensions, consists
of three chapters ( fusl): 1) On the finitude of the dimensions ( f
bayn tanh al-abd); 2) On the limits of the two directions ( f
bayn muh addid htayn al-jihatayn); 3) Resolution of the doubt that
has been expressed on the existence of the limits ( f h all shakk aw
radd al wujd al-muh addid). In the beginning of the first chapter,
Nayrz explains that some early Greek and Indian philosophers, as
well as Ab l-Barakt al-Baghdd (d. 552/1157) among the later phi-
losophers, believed that dimensions were unlimited. Without iden-
tifying his source, Nayrz presents some of their arguments for the
infinitude of dimensions,35 followed by several arguments supporting
32
Nayrz, Sharh Hidyat al-h ikma, MS Carullah 1327, f. 177a:18. Dawn was still
alive in 904/14989 when Nayrz completed the first draft of this work. Therefore the
eulogy, qaddasa sirruh, equivalent to the English may he rest in peace, must have
been added later on, possibly by Nayrz himself in his revised version of the com-
mentary, completed in 916/1510.
33
See Nayrz, Risla f Tayn jiht al-ajsm wa-nihytih, MS Malik 2614, f. 1b:12.
34
Nayrz, Risla f Tayn jiht al-ajsm, f. 1b.
35
See Nayrz, Risla f Tayn jiht al-ajsm, ff. 2ab. The arguments he presents
here are different from those of Ab l-Barakt in his Mutabar and it seems unlikely
that he used this work as a source. For Ab l-Barakt al-Baghdds discussion of
the issue, see his al-Mutabar f l-h ikma, Lithograph Edition, Hyderabad 1357/1938,
[reprinted Isfahan 1373/1994], vol. 2, pp. 807. Generally speaking, no evidence has
been found in Nayrzs writings which would indicate that Ab l-Barakt al-Baghdds
al-Mutabar was available to him.
works of nayrz 115
36
See Nayrz, Risla f Tayn jiht al-ajsm, ff. 4a9a. For these arguments, see
Ft ima Fan, Tanh abd, Dnishnma-yi jahn-i Islm, vol. 8, Tehran 1383/2004,
pp. 2468.
37
Nayrz, Risla f Tayn jiht al-ajsm, MS Malik 2614, f. 5b.
38
See Nayrz, Risla f Tayn jiht al-ajsm, MS Malik 2614, f. 7a.
39
Nayrz, Risla f Tayn jiht al-ajsm, MS Malik 2614, f. 6a.
40
Nayrz, Risla f Tayn jiht al-ajsm, MS Malik 2614, ff. 2b, 8b,15a.
41
Nayrz, Risla f Tayn jiht al-ajsm, MS Malik 2614, f. 16b.
42
See Nayrz, Misbh al-arwh , MS ehid Ali 1739, f 25a.
116 chapter three
Dawn] on most of these proofs and abstracted the arguments from the
irrelevant remarks.43
In his introduction to Rislat Ithbt al-wjib, Nayrzs patron is
referred to ambiguously as Nsiran li-l-haqq Sadd and Nsi r riyd
al-mulk.44 Nayrz also dedicated to the same patron his glosses on
H ikmat al-ishrq. There, he refers to him once as Nsir li-l-h aqq rayuhu
l-Sadd and another time as Nsir li-l-islm Nasran li-l-Dn Sadd.45
Nayrz, moreover, praises him as sh ib al-sayf wa-l-qalam, a title
that was usually used for viziers.46 In the dedication of his glosses on
H ikmat al-ishrq, he praises, apart from the above mentioned patron,
a so-called Sult n b. Sultn Ahmad Bahdur Khn, who can safely
be identified as Sultan Ah mad Krkiy, the ruler of the eastern part of
Gln (Biya Psh) since 911/1505. Therefore, it can be concluded that
Nayrz wrote this work in 911/1505 or shortly after, while staying in
Gln, and dedicated it to Nsir or Nsi r al-Dn, who was presumably
the vizier of Ahmad Khn Krkiy.
Ithbt al-wjib (or Ithbt al-mabda) was a title given to a philo-
sophical genre dealing with the proofs for the existence of the Nec-
essary Existent. Dawns Rislat Ithbt al-wjib al-qadma, which
was completed in 894/1489, was the first contribution by a philoso-
pher from Shiraz to this genre. In this work, Dawn differentiates
in a highly analytical manner between the proofs for the existence
of the Necessary Existent which are based on the finitude of causes
and those which are not. The work ends with an epilogue about how
contingent being lacks the predisposition within itself either to exist
or not to exist. Following Dawn, Sadr al-Dn al-Dashtak wrote a
treatise in 903/1497 with the title Ithbt al-wjib. Dashtak presents
in it only one proof for the existence of the Necessary Existent and,
compared to Dawn, his discussion of this subject is much briefer.
Instead, he elaborates on the issue of Gods unity (ah adiyya) and His
43
Nayrz, Sharh Rislat Ithbt al-wjib al-jadda, MS Majlis 1841, f. 20a. For
the quotation in Arabic, see below, pp. 1545 (Appendix I: Inventory of Nayrzs
Writings).
44
See Nayrz, Rislat Ithbt al-wjib, MS Malik 688, f. 159a.
45
See below, pp. 17980 (Appendix I: Inventory of Nayrzs Writings).
46
For instance, this title is used by Ibn Kammna for sah ib dwn Shams al-Dn
al-Juwayn (d. 683/1284). See his Kalimt wajza mushtamila al nukat latfa f l-ilm
wa-l-amal, edited by Reza Pourjavady and Sabine Schmidtke, in A Jewish Philoso-
pher of Baghdad, p. 140. Nayrz furthermore describes his patron as a metaphysician
knowledgeable in religious law and politics (ilh lahu ilm al-shari wa-l-mulk wa-l-
siysa). See Nayrz, Rislat Ithbt al-wjib, MS Malik 688, f. 159a.
works of nayrz 117
47
For instance, he quotes Dawns comment on the argument of tadyuf for the
finitude of causes. See Nayrz, Risalat Ithbt al-wjib, MS Malik 688, f. 178a. Instead
of explicitly referring to Dawn, Nayrz structured the sentence in the passive (wa-
qad yuqlu . . . ).
118 chapter three
48
With the exception of Qutb al-Dn al-Shrz, who consulted Shahrazrs com-
mentary on H ikmat al-ishrq for his own commentary on the same text, no later phi-
losopher is known to have used the commentary of Shahrazr. Apart from Nayrz,
Mr Dmd and Mull Sadr (d. 1050/1640) wrote glosses on Qutb al-Dn al-Shrzs
commentary. For the glosses of Mr Dmd on Qutb al-Dn al-Shrzs commentary,
see Mr Dmd, Musannaft-i Mr Dmd, ed. Abd Allh Nrn, Tehran 1381/2003,
vol. 1, pp. 5237. For the glosses of Mull Sadr, see Qut b al-Dn al-Shrz, Sharh
H ikmat al-ishrq, lithograph edition, 1313/18956; cf. Sajjad H. Rizvi, Mull Sadr
Shrz: His Life and Works and the Sources for Safavid Philosophy, Oxford 2007, p. 76.
works of nayrz 119
49
Nayrz, H shya al H ikmat al-ishrq, MS Laleli 2523, f.2b. For the whole intro-
duction of Nayrz to this work, see below, pp. 17980 (Appendix I: Inventory of
Nayrzs Writings).
120 chapter three
50
In his study on j, Josef van Ess translates and analyzes the first chapter of this
book into German; see Die Erkenntnislehre des Adud al-Dn al-c: bersetzung und
Kommentar des ersten Buches seiner Mawqif.
51
For the extant glosses on this text, see Shakbny/Pourjavady, Kitb-shins-i
Mr Sayyid Sharf-i Jurjn, pp. 1456.
52
For his reference to this work in his commentary on Tahdhb al-mantiq wa-l-
kalm, see MS Ridaw 1088, f. 31a. For the reference in Tah rr Tajrd al-aqid, see
MS Majlis 3968, f. 221a.
53
For the reference to this work in his Tah rr Tajrd al-aqid, see MS Majlis 3968,
f. 221b:9, and in his Sharh Tahdhb al-Mantiq, see MS Ridaw 1088, f. 30a.
54
See al-Dhara, vol. 13, pp. 1401, no. 469, and vol. 3, p. 354, no. 1278; T abaqt,
vol. 7, p. 244.
works of nayrz 121
55
T abaqt, vol. 7, p. 244. The glosses of Sadr al-Dn al-Dashtak on the text are
extant in MS Marash 1707 (cat. 95/5). Cf. Al Sadry Khy, Kitbshinsi-yi Tajrd
al-itiqd, Qum 1382/2003, p. 16.
56
See Muhammad Taq Dnishpazhh, Fihrist-i kitbkhnah-yi Irq u Arabistn,
vol. 5, Tehran 1346/19678, p. 425. Dnishpazhhs entry to this manuscript in the
catalogue does not contain any additional information but its location.
57
Reference is given to this work in Nayrzs commentary on Taftzns Tahdhb
al-mantiq wa-l-kalm (MS Ridaw 1088, f. 117a), and in his note at the end of the
revised version of his commentary on Hidyat al-h ikma (MS Carullah 1327, f. 218b).
58
Instead of Tajrd al-itiqd, Nayrz calls the work Tajrd al-aqid. The latter
title seems to have become popular after Shams al-Dn Mahmd al-Isf ahn called his
commentary Tasdd al-qawid f sharh Tajrd al-aqid. However, earlier commenta-
tors such as H ill and Isfaryin refer to the text as Tajrd al-itiqd. See Al Sadry
Khy, Kitbshinsi-yi Tajrd al-itiqd, pp. 910.
59
For this note see below, p. 171 (Appendix I: Inventory of Nayrzs Writings).
60
For the reference to this work in his commentary on Taftzns Tahdhb
al-mantiq wa-l-kalm, see MS Ridaw 1088, f. 108.
61
There is no particular evidence indicating that Nayrz revised the commentary in
the copy completed on 2 Rab I 919/8 May 1513. However, his wording in the colo-
phon quoted below suggests that he had done more than a simple copying of the text.
122 chapter three
62
Nayrz, Tah rr Tajrd al-aqid, MS Princeton 70, f. 121a. For the quotation in
Arabic, see below, p. 160 (Appendix I: Inventory of Nayrzs Writings).
63
For the locations of the manuscripts of these commentaries, see Al Sadry
Khy, Kitbshinsi-yi Tajrd al-itiqd, pp. 3538, 424, 5962, 1724.
64
For the glosses and superglosses written on Qshchs commentary on Tajrd
al-itiqd, see Al Sadry Khy, Kitbshinsi-yi Tajrd al-itiqd, pp. 63160.
works of nayrz 123
65
Nayrz adduces a quotation from Frzbds Sifr al-sada. See Tah rr Tajrd
al-aqid, MS Majlis 3968, f. 303b:158. On Majd al-Dn al-Frzbd, see Muhammad
Taq Mr, Buzurgn-i nm-yi prs, vol. 1, pp. 497503.
66
For Nayrzs discussion on this issue, see his Tah rr Tajrd al-aqid, MS Majlis
3968, f. 283a ff.
67
See Nayrz, Tah rr Tajrd al-aqid, MS Ihy-i mrth 1849, f. 2a.
68
See Nayrz, Tah rr Tajrd al-aqid, MS Ihy-i mrth 1849, f. 2a.
69
See Nayrz, Tah rr Tajrd al-aqid, MS Ihy-i mrth 1849, ff. 2b3a.
124 chapter three
70
See Nayrz, Tah rr Tajrd al-aqid, MS Majlis 3968, f. 212a:12.
71
See, e.g., Nayrz, Tah rr Tajrd al-aqid, MS Majlis 3968, f. 212a:12.
72
Compare the argument in Nayrzs Rislat Ithbt al-wjib (MS Malik 688, ff.
179b:2183b:2, 185b:9186a:8) with his Tah rr Tajrd al-aqid (MS Majlis 3968, ff.
121a:20122a:23, 122a:26b:7). Cf. also his proofs for the existence of the Necessary
Existent in his Rislat Ithbt al-wjib (ff. 175b:56b:3) with Tah rr Tajrd al-aqid
(MS Majlis 3968, f. 264b:1328).
73
See MS Ridaw 1088, ff. 71a:910, 163b:56.
works of nayrz 125
74
Ktibs Shamsiyya, together with Qutb al-Dn al-Rzs commentary (Tah rr
al-qawid al-mantiqiyya f sharh al-Shamsiyya) and Sharf Jurjns glosses, have been
published repeatedly. See Daiber, Bibliography of Islamic Philosophy, vol. 1, pp. 266,
51920.
75
The only identified manuscript of this work (MS safiyya mantiq 58) was not
available to me. The quotation is according to the description of the manuscript of this
work in the Catalogue of s afiyya library (vol. 2, p. 519). For the quotation in Arabic,
see below, p. 178 (Appendix I: Inventory of Nayrzs Writings).
76
See above, pp. 801.
77
See Nayrz, Sharh Tahdhb al-mantiq wa-l-kalm, MS Ridaw 1088, f. 108a:5.
126 chapter three
78
Of the two parts of the text only the first is available in a critical edition, i.e.,
H asan Malikshhs Tarjuma u tafsr-i Tahdhb al-mantiq, Tehran 1363/1984. The
second part on kalm is only available in a lithograph edition, together with its com-
mentary by Abd al-Qdir b. Muhammad al-Sanandaj al-Kurdistn (d. 1304/1887).
See Abd al-Qdir b. Muhammad al-Sanandaj al-Kurdistn, Taqrb al-marm f sharh
Tahdhb al-kalm, Lithograph Edition, Bulq 1318/1900. On Taftzns logical works,
see Wilferd Madelung, Al-Taftazan und die Philosophie, Logik und Theologie. Das
Organon im arabischen und im lateinischen Mittelalter, eds. Dominik Perler and
Ulrich Rudolph, Leiden 2006, pp. 22736.
79
This colophon is preserved in MS Ridaw 1088 (261b) where Nayrz writes:
[. . .]
[. . .]
Elsewhere in the commentary (MS Ridaw, f. 108a), he states:
.
80
See above, p. 115.
works of nayrz 127
the truth (tullb al-h aqq) used to look at this work like a thirsty man who
reaches a mirage, amazed by the abridged language, and the delicacy of
its meanings, with no hope of catching the true sense of their meanings.
So I tried to further enhance its helpfulness for the seekers of truth . . . 81
The attitude of the commentator towards the author is positive both in
his introduction and throughout the first extant part. With regard to the
second part of the book, however, his attitude could not have been as
positive as in the first, particularly on the issue of the imamate where
Taftzn had refuted the Sh position.82
For the first part, Nayrz uses Taftzns commentaries on Ktibs
Shamsiyya and on js al-Mukhtasar f l-usl.83 Other sources that
he refers to are Ibn Sns al-Shif and his al-Ishrt wa-l-tabht,
Bahmanyrs al-Tahsl, Suhrawards al-Talwh t, Nas r al-Dn al-T ss
Tajrd al-mantiq as well as his commentary on the Ishrt, his Ass
al-iqtibs, Ktibs Shamsiyya, Qutb al-Dn al-Rzs commentary on
Sirj al-Dn al-Urmaws Matli al-anwr, Shahrazrs al-Shajara
al-ilhiyya, and some unspecified works of Fakhr al-Dn al-Rz and
Athr al-Dn al-Abhar.
Nayrz moreover mentions that he had access to other commentar-
ies that had been written on the text, yet he refrains from identifying
them.84 We are aware of four commentaries on Tahdhb al-mantiq
that were written prior to Nayrzs, namely by H asan Shh Baqql,85
by Muhy al-Dn al-Kfiyaj (d. 879/1474) (entitled al-Tajrb f kashf
al-rumz al-Tahdhb) completed in 876/147172,86 by Jall al-Dn
al-Dawn,87 and by Sayf al-Dn al-Taftzn (d. 916/1510), completed
in 882/147778.88 Although Nayrz does not refer to Dawns com-
mentary, it is evident that he knew and presumably used it. This is
81
Nayrz, Sharh Tahdhb al-mantiq, MS ehid Ali 1780, f. 2a. For the quotation in
Arabic, see below, p. 164 (Appendix I: Inventory of Nayrzs Writings).
82
See Insiyya Barkhwh, Tahdhb al-mant iq wa-l-kalm, in Dnishnma-yi
jahn-i Islm, vol. 8, Tehran 1383/2004, pp. 7035.
83
See Nayrz, Sharh Tahdhb al-mantiq, MS Ridaw 1088, f. 122b (reference to
Taftzns commentary on Ktibs Shamsiyya), and f. 260a (reference to Taftzns
commentary on js al-Mukhtasar f l-usl).
84
See Nayrz, Sharh Tahdhb al-mantiq, MS Ridaw 1088, f. 240a.
85
On H asan Shh Baqql and his commentary on Tahdhb al-mantiq, see above,
p. 3, fn. 17.
86
The autograph MS of this commentary is preserved in MS Laleli 2592.
87
See Dhara, vol. 6, p. 54. One of the manuscripts of this commentary is MS
Majlis 1834 (cat. vol. 5, p. 318).
88
A copy of this commentary is preserved in MS Malik 965 (Cat. vol. 1, 393).
128 chapter three
In his note at the end of the revised copy of his commentary on Abhars
Hidyat al-h ikma (completed on 12 Safar 916/20 May 1510), Nayrz
mentions among his previous writings a commentary on H asan b.
Mut ahhar al-H ills Tahdhb al-ahkm.90 This work, which is apparently
lost, was most likely a commentary on Allma al-H ills Tahdhib tarq
al-wusl il ilm al-usl, which is a concise work on legal methodology.91
This constituted, to our knowledge, the only contribution of Nayrz in
the field of legal methodology. Besides Nayrz, two other scholars of
the early Safavid period, Kaml al-Dn H usayn al-Ilh al-Ardabl and
Jall al-Dn al-Astarbd, wrote commentaries on this text.92
89
See Nayrz, Sharh Rislat ithbt al-wjib al-jadda, MS Majlis 1841, f. 190 a.
90
See below, p. 171 (Appendix I: Inventory of Nayrzs Writings).
91
See Abd al-Azz T abtab, Maktabat al-Allma al-H ill, Qum 1416/19956,
pp. 10911.
92
Ilh Ardabls commentary on this text is mentioned in his ijza to Kaml
al-Dn Ibrhm al-Safaw. See al-Afand al-Isfahn, vol. 2, p. 101. On Jall al-Dn
al-Astarbds commentary on this text see above, pp. 15, fn. 96.
93
See Dhara, vol. 2, pp. 4067, no. 1627, and vol. 6, p. 26, no. 102, T abaqt,
vol. 7, p. 244.
94
See above, pp. 612.
works of nayrz 129
95
See Dharia, vol. 7, pp. 767, no. 409.
96
See below, pp. 1878 (Appendix I: Inventory of Nayrzs Writings).
97
See above, p. 181 (Appendix I: Inventory of Nayrzs Writings).
98
See below, p. 171 (Appendix I: Inventory of Nayrzs Writings).
130 chapter three
99
MS Majlis 1840 contains this commentary (Cat. vol. 5, pp. 2979). See also
above, p. 43.
100
See above, p. 81.
101
Nayrz, Sharh Rislat ithbt al-wjib al-jadda, MS Majlis 1841, f. 2b. For
Nayrzs whole introduction, see below, pp. 1678 (Appendix I: Inventory of Nayrzs
Writings).
102
See Nayrz, Sharh Rislat ithbt al-wjib al-jadda, f. 209b.
works of nayrz 131
103
On this proof, see Toby Mayer, Ibn Sns Burhn al-Siddqn, Journal of
Islamic Studies, 12 i (2001), pp. 1839.
104
Nayrz, Sharh Rislat Ithbt al-wjib al-jadda, f. 156a. For the end of Nayrzs
commentary on Rislat Ithbt al-wjib al-jadda, see below, p. 168 (Appendix I:
Inventory of Nayrzs Writings).
105
See Nayrz, Misbh al-arwh f kashf h aqiq al-Alwh , MS Ragp 853, ff.
271a277a.
106
In the edited version the name of the patron is erroneously given as Qar
Arsaln b. Dwd (al-Alwh al-Imdiyya, in uvres philosophiques et mystiques iv,
ed. Najaf Qul H abb, Tehran 1380/2001, p. 33) On this work, the approximate date
of its authorship, and the patron to whom it is dedicated, see Nasrollah Pourjavady,
Shaykh-i Ishrq u talf-i Alwh-i Imdiyya, in Ishrq u irfn, Tehran 1380/2001,
pp. 8394.
107
Suhraward explicitly says that to structure Alwh , he used a work by one
of the latest scholars (bad fudal al-mutaakhkharn) as a model (see al-Alwh
al-Imdiyya, in uvres philosophiques et mystiques iv, p. 34).
132 chapter three
108
See Qutb al-Dn al-Shrzs Sharh H ikmat al-ishrq, ed. Abd Allh Nrn &
Mahd Muhaqqiq, Tehran 1379/2000, p. 14.
109
See H shiya al H ikmat al-ishrq wa-al sharh ihi li-Qutb al-Dn al-Shraz,
MS Marash 4266, f. 7a. Nayrz must have noticed a reference to H ikmat al-ishrq in
Alwh , which leaves no doubt that the writing of Alwh must have taken place either
sometime after the composition of H ikmat al-ishrq or at least at the same time.
works of nayrz 133
110
Nayrz usually refers to H ikmat al-ishrq as al-Ishrq.
134 chapter three
111
Nayrz, Misbh al-arwh , MS ehid Ali 1739, ff 1b2b. For Nayrzs whole intro-
duction to this work, see below, pp. 1725 (Appendix I: Inventory of Nayrzs Writings).
112
See Nayrz, Misbh al-arwh , MS ehid Ali 1739, f. 2a.
113
See Nayrz, Misbh al-arwh , MS ehid Ali 1739, f. 2b.
114
One of the instances of Nayrzs citing the text of H ikmat al-ishrq is his
inclusion of Suhrawards exhortation (wasiyyat al-musannif ), which is quoted in its
entirety. See Nayrz, Misbh al-arwh , MS ehid Ali 1739, ff. 203a:17204a:12.
115
Nayrz, Misbh al-arwh , MS ehid Ali 1739, f. 182b. In his narration of the
story of this work, Nayrz mentions that the author saw ten men sitting in a row, nine
works of nayrz 135
of whom were millers. This clearly corresponds to the story of wz-i par-i Jibral. See
the edition of this work in uvres philosophiques et mystiques iii, ed. Sayyid H usayn
Nas r, Tehran 1355/1976, pp. 20923, esp. pp. 2104.
116
Generally on Shahrazrs al-Shajara al-ilhiyya and its impact on later Muslim
philosophers, see Reza Pourjavady & Sabine Schmidtke, Some notes on a new edi-
tion of a medieval philosophical text in Turkey: Shams al-Dn al-Shahrazrs Rasil
al-Shajara al-ilhiyya, Die Welt des Islams, 46 (2006), pp. 7685.
117
For details see below, pp. 14552.
118
See Nayrz, Misbh al-arwh , MS ehid Ali 1739, f. 193, and compare it with
Shhnma (ed. Jule Mohl, Tehran 1369/1990), vol. 1, pp. 58 ff. (story of Firiydn and
his sons).
119
Henry Corbin was the first to notice Nayrzs usage of the Shhnma for this
passage. See LArchange empourpr, Paris 1976, pp. 1289 (endnote no. 77).
120
See Nayrz, Misbh al-arwh , MS ehid Ali 1739, f. 65a:67.
136 chapter three
121
The scholars to whom he refers in this manner are probably close to his time,
possibly even his contemporaries.
122
See above, p. 55.
CHAPTER FOUR
1
See above, pp. 1189.
2
The translation of this quotation is based on the John Walbridge and Hossein
Ziai rendering of H ikmat al-ishrq (Suhraward, The Philosophy of Illumination. A New
Critical Edition of the Text of H ikmat al-Ishrq, Provo/Utah 1999, p. 52).
138 chapter four
3
The translation of this quotation is based on John Walbridge and Hossein Ziais
rendering (Suhraward, The Philosophy of Illumination, p. 53).
4
Nayrz, H shiya al H ikmat al-ishrq, MS Laleli 2523, f. 88a.
5
For a detailed study of Suhrawards view on this issue and its comparison to that
of Descartes, see John Walbridge, Al-Suhraward on Body as Extension: An Alternative
to Hylomorphism from Plato to Leibniz, Reason and Inspiration in Islam. Theology,
Philosophy and Mysticism in Muslim thought. Essays in Honour of Hermann Landolt,
ed. Todd Lawson, London 2005, pp. 23547. However, Walbridges efforts to connect
Suhrawards view with the Platonic idea of Receptacle are not very convincing. It is
nayrz and the suhrawardian philosophy 139
noteworthy that before Suhraward, Abu l-Barakt al-Baghdd (547/1152) held this
view. See his al-Mutabar f al-h ikma, Haydarabad 1358/1939, vol. 3, pp. 196202.
6
Wa-l-jawhar alladh yatabaddal alayhi hdhihi l-suwar, huwa l-musamm bi-l-
hayl, fa-huwa idh ukhidha maa imtiddt tliyya wa-ardiyya wa-umqiyya, fa-huwa
l-jism. Nayrz, Misbh al-arwh , MS ehid Ali 1739, f. 50.
7
Suhraward, al-Alwh al-Imdiyya, in uvres philosophiques et mystiques iv.,
p. 46.
8
It is notable that about the same time as Nayrz, Shams al-Dn al-Khafr criti-
cized Suhrawards view on prime matter in his Risla f tah qq al-hayl. See Shams
al-Dn al-Khafr, Tah qq al-hayl, MS Majlis 706, p. 80 ff. Whether or not the two
were aware of each others criticism is as yet unclear.
140 chapter four
9
Ibn Sn,Uyn al-h ikma, ed. H ilm Ziya lken, Ankara 1953, p. 32.
10
Suhraward, The Philosophy of Illumination, pp. 13840.
11
The translation of this quotation is based on that of John Walbridge and Hossein
Ziai (Suhraward, The Philosophy of Illumination, p. 139) with some modifications.
12
Nayrz, Sharh Hidyat al-h ikma, MS Carullah 1327, ff. 103a104b; idem, H shiya
al H ikmat al-ishrq, MS Laleli 2523, ff. 108b ff.; idem, Misbh al-arwh , MS ehid
Ali 1739, ff. 68b70b.
13
Nayrz, Misbh al-arwh , MS ehid Ali 1739, f. 70b.
nayrz and the suhrawardian philosophy 141
14
Suhraward, The Philosophy of Illumination, pp. 723, 967, 13840.
15
Nayrz, Misbh al-arwh , MS ehid Ali 1739, f. 70b. For the quotation in Ara-
bic, see below, p. 201, no. 11 (Appendix IV: Quotations from Unpublished Sources).
16
Nayrz, Misbh al-arwh , MS ehid Ali 1739, f. 29b. For the quotation in Ara-
bic, see below, p. 201, no. 12 (Appendix IV: Quotations from Unpublished Sources).
142 chapter four
The most that one can say is that sound here is conditioned by it
[= vibration of the air]. However, it does not follow that if something is
conditioned by a thing in one place, its like is necessarily so conditioned.
A thing as a universal may have different causes in different instances,
and so it may also have different conditions in different instances . . . The
awesome sounds (al-aswt al-hila) heard by the mystics cannot be said
to be the vibration of air in the brain. Instead, it is an image (mithl) of
sound which is a sound. Thus, there may be sounds and music in the
spheres not conditioned on air or ringing.17
Nayrz argues against Suhraward that to make a sound requires the
vibration of a body ( jism), which is tender (ratb) and flowing (sayyl)
like water or air. This is the necessitating cause (al-sabab al-muqtad)
for having sound, and not simply, as Suhraward suggested, a condition
for it. In the spheres, where there is no tender and flowing body, there
cannot be any sound or music.18
17
The translation of this quotation is based on John Walbridge and Hossein Ziais
translation of H ikmat al-ishrq (Suhraward, The Philosophy of Illumination, p. 154)
with some modifications.
18
Nayrz, Misbh al-arwh , MS ehid Ali 1739, f. 66b.
19
Suhraward, al-Alwh al-Imdiyya, pp. 923. On Kiyn khurrah in Suhrawards
political thought, see Nasrollah Pourjavady, The Light of Sakina in Suhrawardis Phi-
losophy of Illumination, Binghamton/New York 1998.
nayrz and the suhrawardian philosophy 143
to be called good. Unless it is said that when the good is dominant over
evil it can become so prominent an accident that makes it plausible to
call some kings evil and some others not, or to argue that the necessary
coexistence of evil with these good things may have a single origin or
it may not have, similarly the great majority of good things may have
a single origin or they may not, making it correct to call one king just
and the other cruel.20
Nayrz further explains that Suhrawards concern is only with the wise
and just kings. However, the cruel kings may also be impressed by the
spiritual world. For instance, in Moses victory over Pharaoh, the souls
of the children that Pharaoh had killed were acting against the latter.21
Nayrz continues his remark by criticizing what he believed to be the
core of Suhrawards political thought. According to Nayrz, Suhraward
maintained that true philosophers have the right to attain kingship and
that he was perhaps himself ambitious to obtain such power:
To me, some of the perfect men in knowledge and practice had the illusion
that perfection in knowledge and in practice, and ruling and domination
and victory by force are indispensable, or there is a consensual necessity
between them. That was the reason that they were killed. It is also what
is said about the death of the author who was one of those philosophers
and saints (awliy), God bless their souls. The reality, however, is not like
that and anyone who has some knowledge of astrology and astronomy
knows that it happens sometimes that either knowledge and wisdom, or
ruling (al-mulk) would be bestowed upon one and not upon the other.
Do you not see that Noah, peace be upon him, with his perfection in his
prophecy and his knowledge, lived at a time when the ignorant people
excelled him in ruling and only a small group of them followed him for
a long time? Solomon, peace be upon him, had both. And both Shaddd
and Nimrd had only ruling without knowledge and wisdom. Then,
know that there is no necessity between these two and it is not possible
that your effort to reach the last stage of knowledge would lead you to
the ruling and governing (al- h ukma). The truth is that both are in the
hand of God.22
Nayrz explains here that a philosopher, or a man perfect in knowledge
and practice, who merits a kingdom should not risk his life to achieve
this goal. The reason for this, he suggests, is that the philosophers
kingdom may only be realized when a harmonious astrological and
20
Nayrz, Misbh al-arwh , MS ehid Ali 1739, f. 194b. For the quotation in Ara-
bic, see below, p. 201, no. 13 (Appendix IV: Quotations from Unpublished Sources).
21
See Nayrz, Misbh al-arwh , MS ehid Ali 1739, f. 194b.
22
Nayrz, Misbh al-arwh , MS ehid Ali 1739, f. 195a. For the quotation in Ara-
bic, see below, p. 201, no. 14 (Appendix IV: Quotations from Unpublished Sources).
144 chapter four
23
At the end of his Partaw-nma he states: Every King who knows philosophy,
and continues to thank and sanctify the Light of Lights, will be bestowed with kiyn
khurrah and with luminous farrah, and as we have said elsewhere divine light will
further bestow upon him the cloak of royal power and value. Such a person shall
then become the natural Ruler of the Universe. He shall be given aid from the High
Heaven, and whatever he commands shall be obeyed; and his dreams and inspirations
will reach their uppermost, perfect pinnacle. (The Book of Radiance, ed. and trans.
Hossein Ziai, Costa Mesa 1998, pp. 845) with some modifications. For the original
Persian, see Suhraward, The Book of Radiance, pp. 8485; idem, uvres philosophiques
et mystiques iii., ed. Sayyid Hossein Nasr, p. 81. For detailed analyses of this passage
and the various versions of it in the manuscript traditions, see Nasrollah Pourja-
vady, Partaw-nma u tarjuma-yi ingils-i n, in Irfn u ishrq, Tehran 1380/2001,
pp. 387407, esp. pp. 4012.
24
Ibn Khallikn, Wafayt al-ayn wa-anb al-zamn, ed. Ihsn Abbs, Beirut
138892/196872, vol. 6, p. 272. This account was quoted from Wafayt al-ayn by
some later bibliographical sources including Ab Abd Allh al-Yfis (d. 768/1367)
Mirt al-jann wa-ibrat al-yaqz n (Lithograph Edition, Hydarabad (Deccan)
1338/191920, vol. 3, p.437). The account given by Yfi was evidently known to
Nayrz and he quotes it at the beginning of his copy of Qutb al-Dn al-Shrzs
commentary on H ikmat al-ishrq (MS Marash 4266, f. 4b). For various hypotheses
on the reason for which the authorities executed Suhraward, see Hermann Landolt,
Suhrawards Tale of Initiation. Review Article, Journal of the American Oriental
Society (1987), pp. 47586; Hossein Ziai, The Source and Nature of Authority: a Study
of al-Suhrawards Illuminationist Political Doctrine, The Political Aspects of Islamic
Philosophy. Essays in Honor of Muhsen S. Mahdi, ed. C. E. Butterworth, Cambridge
1992, pp. 294334; Roxanne D. Marcotte, Suhraward al-Maqtl, the Martyr of Aleppo,
Al-Qantara 21 ii (2001), pp. 395419.
nayrz and the suhrawardian philosophy 145
25
Suhraward seems to employ this saying in the sense that separation from the
body through death is the first step towards spiritual resurrection.
26
Nayrz, Misbh al-arwh , MS ehid Ali 1739, ff. 183a187b.
27
This work has been edited twice, first by Muh ammad Najb Krkn [Necip
Grgn] (PhD Dissertation, Marmara University, Istanbul 1996) published with revi-
sions in Istanbul 2004, and then by Najaf-Qul H abb (Tehran 20056). I refer to the
latter edition in the following.
146 chapter four
28
Dawn, Unmdhaj al-ulm, in Thalth rasil, p. 302.
29
See Sabine Schmidtke, The Influence of ams al-Dn ahrazr (7th/13th century)
on Ibn Ab G umhr al-Ahs (d. after 904/1499) A Preliminary Note. Encounters of
Words and Texts. Intercultural Studies in Honour of Stefan Wild on the Occasion of His
60th Birthday, ed. Lutz Edzard & Christian Szyska. Hildesheim 1997, pp. 2332; eadem,
Theologie, Philosophie und Mystik im zwlferschiitischen Islam des 9./15. Jahrhunderts.
Die Gedankenwelten des Ibn Ab G umhr al-Ah s (um 838/143435nach 906/1501),
Leiden 2000, pp. 27981. Ibn Ab Jumhr, however, did not explicitly mention Shajara
as his source. On the impact of Shahrazr on later Islamic thought, see Reza Pourjavady
and Sabine Schmidtke, Some Notes on a New Edition of a Medieval Philosophical
Text in Turkey: Shams al-Dn al-Shahrazrs Rasil al-Shajara al-ilhiyya, Die Welt
des Islams 46 (2006), pp. 7685.
30
See, e.g., Nayrz, Sharh al-Hidyat al-h ikma, MS Carullah 1327, ff. 140a, and
173a, where he refers to Shajarat al-ilhiyyaa.
31
The first three epistles of the Shajara are on methodology and the divisions
of the sciences ( f l-muqaddimt wa-taqsm al-ulm), logic ( f mhiyyat al-shajara
wa-tafsl al-ulm al-liya al-mantiqiyya), and practical philosophy ( f l-akhlq wa-l-
tadbr wa-l-siyst).
32
See, e.g., ff. 155b156b, in which Nayrz used Shajara, ed. Najaf-Qul H abb,
vol. 3, pp. 5936.
33
See Nayrz, Misbh al-arwh , MS ehid Ali 1739, f. 141a. Before and after this
reference the major part of Shahrazrs explanation of the hierarchy of existents (al-
Shajara, vol. 3, pp. 4515) is quoted verbatim by Nayrz.
nayrz and the suhrawardian philosophy 147
34
See Nayrz, Misbh al-arwh , MS ehid Ali 1739, ff. 45b46b, and compare it
with Shahrazr, Shajara, vol. 2, pp. 2756, 278. Some other instances in which the
epistle on physics of the Shajara has been used by Nayrz, are as follows: 1) Com-
menting on a passage of introduction of Alwh , where indivisible parts are rejected,
Shahrazrs rejection of the indivisible parts in Fasl One of Qism One of Risla Four
of Shajara, entitled On the rejection of the indivisible parts and the arguments of its
adherents ( f nafy al-juz alladh l yatajazza wa-h ujaj ash bih, vol. 2, pp. 279) is
adopted (MS ehid Ali Paa 1739, f. 22a22b). Reference to al-Shajara al-ilhiyya is
given explicitly in the respective passage of the commentary; 2) One of the arguments of
Shahrazr on the finitude of dimensions (tanh abd) is included by Nayrz among
his arguments in Lawh One of Alwh (MS ehid Ali 1739, f. 23a). This argument is
the fifth argument presented by Shahrazr on the issue in Fasl Five of Qism One of
Risla Four of the Shajara (vol. 2, p. 97); 3) Shahrazrs speculation on time in Fasl
Ten, Qism One, Risla 4 (vol. 2, pp. 1856, 18990, 1934) is adopted by Nayrz to
elaborate on Suhrawards discussion of the issue in Lawh One of Alwh (MS ehid
Ali 1739, ff. 32a35a); 4) In Lawh Two, where Suhraward explains the common fac-
ulties of human and plant, Nayrz quotes in his commentary (MS ehid Ali 1739, ff.
77a79b) several passages from Fasl One of Qism Six of Risla Four of the Shajara
(vol. 2, pp. 32832, 336).
35
See Nayrz, Misbh al-arwh , MS ehid Ali 1739, f. 195a197b, and compare
it to the Shajara, ed. Najaf-Qul H abb, vol. 3, pp. 6323, 64252.
36
See Nayrz, Misbh al-arwh , MS ehid Ali 1739, ff. 161a165a, quoted from
the Shajara, ed. Najaf-Qul H abb, vol. 3, pp. 598607.
37
Another issue discussed by Shahrazr in the Epistle on Metaphysics of the
Shajara and adduced by Nayrz is the existence of evil in the world, for which he
offers an explanation. See Nayrz, Misbh al-arwh , MS ehid Ali 1739, f. 146a ff., and
compare it with the Shajara, ed. Najaf-Qul H abb, vol. 3, p. 6117.
148 chapter four
38
See Nayrz, Misbh al-Arwh , MS ehid Ali 1739, ff. 180a181a, and compare
it with the Shajara, ed. Najaf-Qul H abb, vol. 3, pp. 5103, 5202.
39
See Nayrz, Misbh al-arwh , MS ehid Ali 1739, ff. 155b156b, and compare it
with the Shajara, vol. 3, ed. Najafqul H abb, pp. 593596. For the views of Suhraward
and his early commentators on the issue of the transmigration of the soul, see Sabine
Schmidtke, The Doctrine of the Transmigration of the Soul according to Shihb al-Dn
al-Suhraward (killed 587/1191) and his followers, Studia Iranica, 28 (1999), pp. 23754.
40
See Nayrz, Misbh al-arwh , MS ehid Ali 1739, ff.79 ab. On the discussion
of this issue in the Shajara, see al-Shajara al-ilhiyya, ed. Najaf-Qul H abb, vol. 2,
pp. 3378.
nayrz and the suhrawardian philosophy 149
41
This work has been edited by Sayyid H usayn Sayyid Msaw under the title
al-Tanqh t f sharh al-talwh t (PhD Dissertation: University of Tehran, Tehran
137576/19967). The part on physics has also been edited by Hossein Ziai and
Ahmad Alwishah (Al-Tanqh t f sharh al-talwh t. Refinement and Commentary
on Suhrawards Intimations. A Thirteenth Century Text on Natural Philosophy and
Psychology, Costa Mesa 2003).
42
See Nayrz, Misbh al-Arwh , MS ehid Ali 1739, ff. 149b150b, and compare
it with Sharh al-Talwh t [al-Tanqh t f Sharh al-Talwh t], ed. Sayyid Msaw, vol. 3,
pp. 9036.
43
See Nayrz, Misbh al-Arwh , MS ehid Ali 1739, ff. 154a156b, and compare
it with Sharh al-Talwh t [al-Tanqh t f Sharh al-Talwh t], ed. Sayyid Msaw, vol.
3, pp. 91625. Nayrz elaborated on Ibn Kammnas brief discussion on the Qurnic
arguments of the adherents of tansukh with the help of Shahrazrs al-Shajara
al-ilhiyya. See above, p. 148, fn. 40.
44
See Nayrz, Misbh al-Arwh , MS ehid Ali 1739, f. 157a158a, and compare
it with Sharh al-Talwh t, [al-Tanqh t f Sharh al-Talwh t], ed. Sayyid Msaw, vol.
3, pp. 92830.
45
See Nayrz, Misbh al-Arwh , MS ehid Ali 1739, ff. 159b161a, and compare
it to Sharh al-Talwh t [al-Tanqh t f Sharh al-Talwh t], ed. Sayyid Msaw, vol. 3,
pp. 9346.
46
See Nayrz, Misbh al-Arwh , MS ehid Ali 1739, ff. 179ab. The passage is
quoted from Sharh al-Talwh t [al-Tanqh t f Sharh al-Talwh t], ed. Sayyid Msaw,
vol. 3, pp. 9789.
150 chapter four
This use of Ibn Kammnas Sharh al-Talwh t on the issue of the soul
shows that Nayrz was aware of the strength of Ibn Kammna on this
issue. It is also to be noted that in all the issues on which he quotes Ibn
Kammna, he refrains from ever criticizing the latters position. There is
only one exception, namely Ibn Kammnas idea of the pre-eternity of
the soul (azaliyyat al-nafs), on which he adopts a distinctive position.47
Ibn Kammnas syllogism for pre-eternity of the soul runs as follows:
The soul is simple. (2) Everything originated in time (h dith zamn) is
not simple. Therefore, the soul is not temporally originated.
The first premise, the simplicity of the soul, was an idea agreed upon
by many philosophers including Ibn Sn.48 For the second premise,
Ibn Kammna again sets a syllogism:
The cause of everything originated in time is compound. (2) It is implau-
sible that something compound causes something simple. Therefore, every
temporally originated thing is not simple.
Ibn Kammna argues that when the cause is complete, its effect is
inevitably there (al-mall yastah l takhallufihu an al-illa al-tmma).49
In the case of an effect that is originated in time, the completion of
the cause occurs at the very moment of the origination of the effect.
This is only plausible if part of the complete cause (al-illa al-tmma)
is also temporally originated at the same moment of the origination
of the effect. Therefore, the complete cause of something temporally
originated should be composed of two parts: a temporally originated
part and a continuously existent part (mawjd dim al-wujd).50
On the other hand, the emanation of the simple from the compound
is impossible. When a compound causes an effect, Ibn Kammna argues,
every part of the compound, in one way or another, influences the
effect. Hence, it is implausible for the effect to be simple. It follows that
47
Ibn Kammn discusses this issue in a number of his writings. See Ibn Kammna,
Sharh al-Talwh t [al-Tanqh t f Sharh al-Talwh t], ed. Ziai & Alwishah, pp. 43042;
Maqla f Azaliyyat al-nafs wa-baqih, Azaliyyat al-nafs wa-baqih, ed. Insiyah
Barkhh, Tehran 1385/2006, pp. 11021; eadem, Maqla f anna al-nafs laysat bi-mizj
al-badan, Azaliyyat al-nafs wa-baqih, pp. 15961; eadem, Risla f abadiyyat al-nafs
wa-baqih wa-bastatih, Azaliyyat al-nafs wa-baqih, pp. 198202.
48
On the view of Ibn Sn on this issue, see al-fann al-sdis min al-tabiyyt min
Kitb al-Shif, in Psychology dibn sn (avicenne) daprs son uvre a-if, ed. &
trans. Jn Bako, Paris 1982, vol. 1, pp. 22431.
49
Ibn Kammna, Maqla f Azaliyyat al-nafs wa-baqih, p. 110.
50
Ibn Kammna, Maqla f anna l-nafs laysat bi-mizj al-badan, p. 161.
nayrz and the suhrawardian philosophy 151
51
For a detailed study of Ibn Kammnas arguments for the eternity of the human
soul, see Lukas Muehlethaler, Ibn Kammna (d. 683/1284) on the Eternity of the
Human Soul. The Three Treatises on the Soul and Related Texts, PhD Dissertation,
Yale 2009.
52
See Nayrz, Misbh al-arwh , MS ehid Ali 1739, f. 81b, and compare with Ibn
Kammna, Sharh al-Talwh t [al-Tanqh t f Sharh al-Talwh t], ed. Ziai & Alwishah,
pp. 4304.
53
See Nayrz, Misbh al-arwh , MS ehid Ali 1739, ff. 176ab.
54
See Nayrz, Misbh al-arwh , MS ehid Ali 1739, ff. 118a119a.
152 chapter four
The sages and the sovereigns of ancient Persia all concurred that each
species, among the celestial spheres and stars as well as the simple and
compound elements, has a lord (or angel) in the world of light, who is
a separate Intellect managing this species. It is the same thing that our
Prophet points to by saying that each thing has an angel and continues
that for each drop of rain an angel goes down. The sages of old Persia
professed the existence of the lords (or angels) of the species, and called a
great number of them by different names. They called the lord (or angel)
of water Khurdd, the lord (or angel) of the trees Murdd, the lord (or
angel) of fire Urdbihisht. It is this intellect which is regulator and guard-
ian of the [members of] the species of fire, and which gives to them light,
regulates the cone of the flame, and attracts oil or wax towards the flame.
For each bodily species they determined an angel, who expresses for it an
extreme solicitude. It is he who makes it grow, nourishes it, and makes
it reproduce, as these various activities in the plant and in the animal
proceed through an unconscious energy. The process is also unconscious
in us; otherwise it should have come to our knowledge. The angel of
a species is a light in its substance belonging to the immaterial world.
These are the lights about which Empedocles spoke and others among the
metaphysical philosophers (al-h ukam al-mutaallihn) like Pythagoras.55
Corbin regarded this passage as an Ishrq element of Wadd
al-Tabrz s thought, without noticing that he had taken it from Qutb
al-Dn al-Shrzs H ikmat al-ishrq.56 Nayrzs mere recounting this
remark does not necessarily shows his approval of this Suhrawardian
idea. Otherwise he would have realized the need for explaining its
implementations within his own philosophical system.
55
Nayrz, Misbh al-arwh , MS ehid Ali 1739, f. 192b. It is quoted from Qutb
al-Dn al-Shrzs Sharh H ikmat al-ishrq, pp. 357:22358:11.
56
See Corbin, Philosophie iranienne et philosophie compare, p. 98. Elsewhere, in
his LArchange empourpr, Corbin translates this passage into French (see p. 126).
Nayrz provides no further explanation concerning the nature of the Lords of Species
and the philosophical consequences of their existence. Similar to Nayrz, Mull Sadr
approves this idea. But unlike Nayrz he expounds it further. See Fazlur Rahman, The
Philosophy of Mull Sadr (Sadr al-Dn al-Shrz), Albany 1975, pp. 489.
APPENDIX I
1. Authentic Works
.
Beginning (MS Malik 688/6, f. 115b):
.
.
156 appendix i
.
.
.
.
- - .
.
.
.
160 appendix i
:
[ : ]
: ]
.
. [
.
.
.
.
End (MS Princeton 70, f. 121a):
.
inventory of his writings 161
[ ]
.
Authors colophon (Princeton 70, f. 121a; Mill Frs 55, f. 260a):
.
.
Manuscripts
Majlis 3968, ff. 1b324b, with the name of the author mentioned on
the title page (Cat. vol. 10(4), pp. 21069; Mudarris Ridaw, p. 430;
Sadry Khy, p.175). Contains two fragments of the text written by
two different hands. The first fragment begins near the end of the
commentators introduction (f. 1b) and ends in the middle of Chapter
Three on ilhiyyt (f. 276b:2).
The beginning of the first fragment (f.1b):
.
...
The end of the first fragment (f. 276b):
[...]
The second fragment begins in the middle of Chapter Four (f.
277a) and extends to the end of the commentary (f. 324b). The
beginning of the second fragment (f. 277a):
162 appendix i
.
.
[...]
Comparison with MS Princeton 70, which is complete in this part,
reveals that a large portion between the two fragments is missing (the
lacuna extends from f. 16a:6 to f. 77b:3 in the latter manuscripts).
Mill Frs 55 (297/2 kh), ff. 1a260a, incomplete in the beginning
(it starts near the end of fasl 1 of Chapter Three), copied by Shh
Muhammad b. H asan, completed in Shabn 1050/November
December 1640 (Cat. vol. 2, p. 207, therein attributed to H jj
Mahmd Tabrz b. Muhammad).
Beginning:
[...]
Princeton 70, ff. 1b121a (Cat. (1987), pp. 32930, no. 1460), cor-
rupt and incomplete at the beginning and throughout, completed
on 1 Rabi I 1100/24 December 1688, copied by Sharaf al-Dn b.
Zayn al-Dn al-Nn at the request of Mrz Muhammad Ashraf
al-H usayn (d. 1130/1718) from the autograph. The manuscript
contains two fragments of the text. The first fragment starts at the
beginning of Chapter Three (f. 1b) and concludes near the end of
Chapter Four (f. 87a). It ends as follows:
...
The second fragment starts at the beginning of Chapter Six (f. 89a
[ff. 87b88b being blank]) and extends to the end of the com-
mentary (f. 121a).
Copyists colophon (f. 121a):
inventory of his writings 163
...
.
Ihy-i mrth 1849, ff. 3b194b, incomplete at the end, extends to the
conclusion of Chapter One (Cat. vol. 5, pp. 2668).
.
.
.
inventory of his writings 165
: :
[...]
End [of Section One] (MS Ridaw 1088, 261b):
...
...
.
... ...
Manuscripts
Ridaw 1088, ff. 1b261b, containing the first part on logic only (Cat.
vol. 1, pp. 32930; cf. Dhara, vol. 6, p. 54, no. 271, vol. 13/163, no.
555). The front page contains the following note:
.
Another note in Persian on the same page written by the same scribe
states that the above note was written by Ghyth al-Dn Mans r
al-Dashtak on the first folio of the manuscript of the text he used.
166 appendix i
Majlis 1841, ff. 3a156b, copied in 1040/16301 (Cat. vol. 5, pp. 299
301). The scribe collated the copy of the text, which he used as the
base together with another recension of the text, as is indicated in
the margin of the text. The colophon reads as follows:
.
Ridaw 144/4, 94 ff., copy completed on 1 Shawwl 970/23 May 1563
(Cat. vol. 1, p. 134; cf. Dhara, vol. 1, pp. 1089, no. 527; vol. 1, pp.
1034, no. 509; no. 510; Shams Nayrz, p. 253).
Marash 9705/5, ff. 197b237b, copied in the late 10th/16th century,
incomplete at the end (Cat. vol. 25, p. 70). The last sentence of the
text is as follows:
.
Private library of Sayyid Rid Isfahn; the present location of the
manuscript is unknown (Dhara, vol. 13, p. 59).
Private library of Sayyid Mahd Sadr, incomplete at the beginning; the
present location of the manuscript is unknown (Dhara, vol. 13,
p. 59, no.188).
Kprl 825, ff.1b92b (Cat. vol. 1, p. 403 unidentified).
ehid Ali Paa 2761, ff. 1b54b. Complete, the name of the scribe is
not given in this manuscript, but the copy is completed by the same
hand as the Risla f Ithbt al-wjib of Sadr al-Dn al-Dashtak at
the end of the codex (f. 106a). This last mentioned risla was copied,
according to its colophon, by Ali b. Muhammad b. Hjj Mahmd,
who seems to have been the grandson of Mahmd Nayrz.
Private library of Muhammad Jawd Wjid, copied by the authors son
Muhammad b. Hjj Mahmd, copy completed on 5 Rajab 940/20
January 1534. The present location of the manuscript is unknown
(Muhammad Taq Dnishpazhh & Iraj Afshr, Nuskhah-yi khatt,
vol. 5, p. 285).
.
.
1.2.7. Sharh Tahdhib tarq al-wusl il ilm al-usl
In his colophon at the end of his Sharh Hidyt al-hikma, Nayrz names
among his earlier writings a commentary on the Tahdhb al-ahkm
of H asan b. Ysuf b. al-Mutahhar al-H ill (d. 726/1326). As there is
no known work written by the Allma al-H ill with the title Tahdhb
al-ahkm, the author presumably was referring to the Tahdhib tarq
al-wusl il ilm al-usl of H ill.
So far, no manuscript of the commentary has been discovered.
1.3. Glosses
1.3.1. H shiya al sharh Matli al-anwr wa-al al-h awshiyya
al-Sharfiyya
Glosses on Qutb al-Dn al-Rzs commentary on Sirj al-Dn al-Urmaws
Matli al-anwr (entitled Lawmi al-asrr f sharh Matli al-anwr)
and on the glosses by Mr Sayyid al-Sharf al-Jurjn on that commen-
tary. The only extant manuscript of this work (safiyya 58 Mantiq)
is misidentified in the catalogue as Nayrzs superglosses on Jurjns
glosses on Shams al-Dn Mahmd al-Is fahns commentary (entitled
Matli al-anzr f sharh Tawli) on Abd Allh b. Umar al-Baydws
Tawli al-anwr. However, this identification contradicts Nayrzs own
statement in his introduction quoted in the same catalogue.
Beginning (in MS safiyya 58 Mantiq and according to the cata-
logue of the library (vol. 2, p. 519)):
.
.
inventory of his writings 179
Manuscripts
safiyya 58 mantiq, ff. 6, 23 lines per page, copied by the authors son
(Ibn Hajj Mahmd), copy completed on 1 Jumd I 942/28 Octo-
ber 1535 (Cat. vol. 2, p. 519).
1
Ritter rendered the name of the person to whom the glosses are dedicated as
Nas r al-Dn Sadd. However, it is more likely that his correct name was Nsir
al-Dn, as the name Nsir is repeated twice in the introduction (once in the beginning
as al-Ns ir li-l-haqq and the second time as Ns iran li-l-Islm). Moreover, Nayrz
dedicated his Ithbt al-wjib to a certain Nsir al-Dn in Gln. Ritters suggestion
that the sultan Ahmad Bahdur Khn mentioned in the text is perhaps the Aqquyunlu
ruler who was killed in 903/1497 (Sultan Ahmad Gwde b. Ughurlu Muhammad) is
also incorrect.
180 appendix i
.
.
]
[
.
inventory of his writings 181
.
The first gloss (MS Marash 4266, f. 7a):
.
End of the glosses (MS Marash 4266, f. 171a):
...
.
Manuscripts
Laleli 2523, on the margins of Sharh H ikmat al-Ishrq of Qutb al-Dn
al-Shrz, distinguished from other glosses by the sign at the end:
. Copied from the autograph by the grand-son of Muhammad
Amn al-Shrwn, Sadr al-Dn Zde Muhammad Sdiq b. Fayd Allh.
Copyists colophon at the end of the introduction (f. 1b):
.
On f. 3a, there are some notes, the first, in which the commentator
of the text and the author of the glosses are introduced, written
by someone who seems to have known Nayrz in person, since he
refers to Nayrz with the title, Najm al-Dn:
Note no. 1.
(
)
.
182 appendix i
:
.
:
" : .
: : . :
.
: .
". .
. : .
.
.
:
.
inventory of his writings 183
. .
Note no. 4.
)
(
.
The number of glosses amounts to 889. These appear on the fol-
lowing folios according to the foliation of the codex:
ff. 54a (1 gloss), 55b (10 glosses), 56a (4), 56b (3), 57a (3), 57b
(5), 58a (4), 58b (6), 59a (8), 59b (7), 60a (6), 60b (4), 61a (5),
61b (3), 62a (5), 62b (4), 63a (3), 63b (4), 64a (2), 64b (2), 65a
(2), 65b (5), 66a (3), 66b (3), 67a (1), 67b (3), 68a (3), 68b (4),
69a (5), 69b (1), 70a (3), 70b (1), 71a (2), 72b (2), 73a (4), 73b
(2), 74a (5), 74b (5), 75a (6), 75b (4), 76b (4), 77a(2), 77b (2),
78a (4), 78b (3), 79a (3), 79b (5), 80a (4), 80b (3), 81a (2), 82a
(1), 82b (2), 83a (2), 83b (2), 84a (3), 84b (3), 85a (3), 85b (3),
86a (4), 86b (2), 87a (2), 88a (2), 88b (4), 89a (4), 89b (1), 90a
(5), 90b (5), 91a (6), 91b (6), 92a (2), 92b (3), 93a (2), 93b (5),
94a (4), 94b (5), 95a (1), 95b (2), 96a (7), 96b (2), 97a (7), 97b
(5), 98a (2), 98b (6), 99a (3), 99b (4), 100a (2), 100b (4), 101a
(2), 101b (2), 102b (3), 103a (1), 103b (2), 104a (1), 104b (2),
105a (1), 105b (2), 106a (1), 108a (1), 108b (4), 109a (6), 109b
(3), 110a (6), 110b (3), 111a (4), 111b (2), 112a (1), 112b (1),
113a (3), 113b (1), 114b (4), 115a (4), 115b (3), 116b (5), 117a
(3), 117b (6), 118a (4), 118b (2), 119a (3), 119b (4), 120a (4),
120b (5), 121a (3), 121b (2), 122a (5), 122b (7), 123a (5), 123b
(5), 124a (8), 124b (4), 125a (3), 125b (4), 126a (3), 126b (5),
127a (5), 127b (2), 128a (2), 128b (3), 129a (4), 129b (3), 130a
(2), 130b (3), 131a (3), 132a (2), 133a (3), 133b (1), 134a (3),
134b (5), 135a (3), 135b (8), 136a (5), 136b (3), 137a (3), 137b
(3), 138a (4), 138b (3), 139a (1), 139b (3), 140a (2), 140b (2),
141a (2), 141b (1), 142a (2), 142b (5), 143a (2), 143b (4), 144a
(6), 144b (1), 145a (6), 145b (3), 146a (4), 146b (4), 147a (2),
147b (2), 148a (2), 148b (6), 149a (3), 149b (4), 150a (3), 151b
(2), 152a (3), 152b (1), 153a (3), 153b (2), 154a (4), 154b (2),
184 appendix i
155a (3), 155b (2), 156a (3), 156b (5), 157a (1), 157b (2), 158a
(5), 158b (3), 159a (2), 159b (1), 160a (2), 160b (4), 161a (2),
161b (4), 162a (5), 162b (2), 163a (3), 163b (2), 164a (5), 164b
(3), 165a (3), 165b (2), 166a (6), 166b (2), 167a (5), 167b (4),
168a (4), 168b (6), 169a (1), 169b (3), 170a (4), 170b (4), 171a
(3), 171b (4), 172a (6), 172b (3), 173a (1), 173b (2), 174a (4),
174b (7), 175a (5), 175b (4), 176a (2), 176b (3), 177a (3), 177b
(1), 178a (4), 178b (6), 179a (3), 179b (5), 180a (5), 180b (8),
181a (2), 181b (2), 182a (4), 182b (6), 183a (4), 183b (5), 184a
(3), 184b (6), 185a (6), 185b (4), 186a (4), 187a (3), 187b (4),
188a (7), 188b (5), 189a (5), 189b (5), 190a (2), 190b (2), 191b
(3), 192a (1).
Colophon at the end of the glosses (f. 193b):
.
.
Ragp 854, on the margins of Sharh H ikmat al-Ishrq of Qutb al-Dn
al-Shraz, distinguished from other glosses by the abbreviation at
the end of each gloss (cf. Ritter, p. 278). Instead of an introduction
by the author, there is a note written at the beginning by the copyist
that reads as follows:
.
...
.
.
The manuscript contains 840 glosses of Nayrz, which appear on
the following folios:
56b (1 gloss), 58a (8 glosses), 58b (4), 59a (4), 59b (2), 60a (5), 60b
(4), 61a (6), 61b (8), 62a (7), 62b (3), 63a (3), 63b (2), 64a (3), 64b
(5), 65a (3), 65b (2), 66a (4), 66b (2), 67a (2), 67b (1), 68a (6), 68b
inventory of his writings 185
(4), 69a (1), 70b (3), 71a (2), 71b (3), 72a (5), 72b (4), 73a (3), 73b
(3), 74a (3), 75a (2), 76b (3), 77a (2), 77b (4), 78b (4), 79a (5), 79b
(4), 80b (3), 81a (2), 81b (2), 82a (4), 82b (4), 83a (2), 83b (6), 84a
(3), 84b (3), 85a (2), 86a (1), 86b (1), 87a (3), 87b (1), 88a (4), 88b
(3), 89a (3), 89b (2), 90a (2), 91a (1), 92a (2), 92b (3), 93a (4), 93b
(3), 94a (2), 94b (5), 95a (6), 95b (5), 96a (6), 96b (1), 97a (4), 97b
(2), 98a (2), 98b (3), 99a (2), 99b (3), 100a (1), 100b (2), 101a (4),
101b (5), 102a (4), 102b (5), 103a (4), 104b (1), 104a (4), 104b (3),
105a (3), 105b (3), 106a (2), 106b (3), 107a (2), 107b (3), 108a (2),
109a (1), 109b (2), 110a (1), 110b (1), 111a (2), 111b (1), 112a (1),
112b (1), 113a (1), 115b (2), 116a (2), 116b (7), 117a (2), 117b (4),
118a (4), 118b (5), 119a (1), 120b (3), 121a (1), 121b (2), 122a (2),
123a (1), 123b (3), 124a (3), 124b (3), 125b (2), 126a (4), 126b (3),
127a (4), 127b (4), 128a (2), 128b (3), 129a (4), 129b (3), 130a (4),
130b (3), 131a (3), 131b (1), 132a (3), 132b (5), 133a (3), 133b (3),
134a (6), 134b (5), 135a (5), 135b (4), 136a (1), 136b (4), 137a (2),
137b (3), 138a (5), 138b (2), 139a (2), 139b (1), 140a (2), 140b (4),
141a (4), 141b (2), 142b (4), 143a (2), 144a (1), 144b (2), 145a (1),
145b (2), 146b (2), 147a (5), 148b (3), 148a (2), 149b (6), 149a (5),
149b (3), 150a (2), 150b (2), 151a (3), 151b (2), 152a (3), 153a (2),
153b (2), 154a (2), 154b (2), 155a (1), 155b (1), 156a (2), 156b (2),
157a (4), 158a (3), 158b (6), 159a (2), 159b (2), 160a (7), 160b (1),
161a (4), 161b (3), 162a (2), 162b (1), 163a (2), 163b (3), 164a (7),
164b (2), 165a (4), 165b (2), 166a (2), 167a (1), 167b (1), 168a (3),
168b (1), 169a (2), 169b (3), 170a (2), 170b (3), 171a (1), 171b (2),
172a (2), 172b (4), 173a (5), 173b (1), 174a (2), 174b (4), 175a (2),
175b (2), 176a (2), 176b (1), 177a (2), 177b (4), 178a (2), 178b (3),
179a (5), 179b (1), 180a (2), 180b (4), 181a (2), 181b (5), 182a (2),
182b (2), 183a (4), 183b (6), 184a (2), 184b (4), 185a (4), 185b (3),
186a (4), 186b (1), 187a (3), 187b (3), 188a (2), 188b (4), 189a (3),
189b (4), 190a (4), 190b (2), 191a (3), 192a (5), 192b (7), 193a (5),
193b (3), 194a (3), 194b (2), 195a (2), 196a (4), 196b (5), 197a (3),
197b (3), 198a (5), 198b (5), 199a (4), 199b (2), 200a (2), 200b (3),
201a (4), 201b (3), 202a (5), 202b (3), 203a (4), 203b (6), 204a (4),
204b (3), 205b (2), 206a (4), 206b (4), 207a (4), 207b (4), 208a (5),
208b (2), 209a (3), 210b (3), 211a (1).
Marash 4266, autograph, on the margins of Sharh H ikmat al-Ishrq of
Qut b al-Dn al-Shraz, copied by Najm al-Dn Mahmd al-Nayrz,
the copy of the commentary was completed on 14 Safar 897/16
December 1491(Cat. vol. 11, p. 268). The codex does not contain
186 appendix i
al-wjib (see above, no. 1.1.2)is not mentioned. There are, however,
two signs pointing to Nayrz being their author: first, the glossist refers
to Sadr al-Dn al-Dashtak as al-Ustdh al-muhaqqq and second,
his signature as at the end of each gloss is similar to Nayrzs
signature at the end of his glosses on Suhrawards H ikmat al-ishrq
and Qutb al-Dn al-Shrzs commentary according to MS Laleli 2523
(see above, no. 1.3.4).
Manuscripts
Private collection of Rid Taqaw, autograph, contained in an auto-
graph Majma, completed between 90317/1497507 on the mar-
gins of Nihyat al-kalm f hall shubhat kulli kalm kdhib. Its
current location is unknown (Dhara, vol. 7, pp. 767, no 409).
Malik 688/1, ff. 3a34b, on the margin of Nihyat al-kalm f hall
shubhat kulli kalm kdhib distinguished with the signature
(Cat. vol. 5, p. 147, [unidentified]). Incomplete in the beginning
(precisely speaking, the first folio of the text and the glosses accom-
panying are missing). Altogether, there are 26 glosses which appear
on the following folios: 5a (4 glosses), 5b (2), 6a (1), 6b (1), 7a (1),
7b (2), 8a (1), 8b (1), 9a (1), 9b (3), 10b (3), 11a (1), 12a (1), 12b
(1), 13a (1), 14a (1), 14b (1). There is no introduction by Nayrz.
Manuscripts
Majlis 1887, ff. 1a64a, containing Dawns Shawkil al-hr f sharh
Haykil al-nr, Dawns additional glosses )distinguished by the sig-
nature ) and Nayrzs glosses (distinguished by the signature ),
copied by Muhammad b. H jj Mahmd al-Nayrz, copy completed
on 28 Ramadn 943/10 March 1537, incomplete in the beginning
(precisely speaking, the first folio of the text and the glosses is miss-
ing). Altogether, there are 560 glosses distinguished by the signature
, which appear on the following folios: 1a (2 glosses), 1b (9), 2a
(6), 2b (6), 3a (6), 3b (5), 4a (4), 4b (7), 5a (3), 5b (5), 6a (4), 6b (4),
7a (5), 7b (8), 8a (3), 8b (3), 9a (5), 9b (5), 10a (5), 10b (5), 11a (2),
12a (3), 12b (6), 13a (6), 13b (1), 14a (1), 15a (1), 15b (1), 16b (5),
17a (1), 17b (2), 18a (2), 18b (5), 19a (4), 20a (8), 20b (3), 21a (3),
22a (5), 22b (7), 23a (4), 23b (6), 24a (4), 24b (4), 25a (3), 25b (6),
26a (7), 26b (6), 27a (4), 27b (9), 28a (6), 28b (3), 29b (5), 30a (5),
30b (9), 31a (3), 31b (10), 32a (6), 32b (6), 33a (6), 33b (3), 34a (6),
34b (1), 35a (2), 35b (3), 36a (3), 36b (9), 37a (6), 37b (4), 38a (1),
38b (12), 39a (6), 39b (6), 40a (7), 40b (6), 41a (9), 41b (5), 42a (7),
42b (6), 43a (8), 43b (2), 44a (7), 44b (4), 45a (8), 45b (5), 46a (6),
46b (4), 47a (6), 47b (3), 48a (8), 48b (3), 49a (6), 49b (5), 50a (9),
50b (5), 51a (8), 51b (8), 52a (5), 52b (4), 53a (6), 53b (5), 54a (4),
54b (6), 55a (7), 55b (2), 56a (2), 56b (1), 57a (1), 57b (6), 58b (4),
59a (3), 59b (1), 60b (4), 61a (3), 61b (5), 62a (3), 63a (1), 43b (3).
Colophon of the author (f. 64a):
.
.
Colophon of the copyist (f. 64a):
.
190 appendix i
1. Nayrz Codex
6) Rislat al-Ars of Ibn Sn, Arabic (Dhara, vol. 15, p. 253, no.
1631);
7) Khutbat al-Tamjd of Ibn Sn, Arabic (Dhara, vol. 7, p. 184, no.
943, vol. 7, p. 202, no. 990);
8) Tafsr-i Srat al-Al of Fakhr al-Dn al-Rz (Chapter Two of K.
al-Tanbh), attributed in this codex to Ibn Sn, Arabic (Dhara,
vol. 4, p. 336, no. 1444);
9) Sharh Khutbat al-Tamjd of Umar Khayym, Persian (Dhara, vol.
7, p. 202, no. 990, vol. 13, p. 220, no. 779);
10) Anjm nma/ ghz u anjm of Afdal al-Dn al-Kshn, in this
codex attributed to Nas r al-Dn al-Ts, Persian (Dhara, vol. 2,
p. 264, no. 1479, vol. 1, p. 36, no. 173);
11) Jvdn nma of Afdal al-Dn al-Kshn, Persian (Dhara, vol. 5,
p. 77, no. 307);
12) Qurda-i tabiyyt of Muhammad Qin, in the codex attributed to
Ibn Sin (Nayrz is said to have doubted this attribution), Persian
(Dhara, vol. 17, p. 65, no. 352);
13) Risla f man al-harf of Ab Ishq Muhammad Ibn Abd Allh
al-Nayrz, Persian, copied in 908/15023 (Dhara, vol. 21, p. 274,
no. 5030);
14) H all mughlatat al-jadhr al-asamm of Sadr al-Dn al-Dashtak,
Arabic (Dhara, vol. 5, p. 92);
15) Ithbt al-wjib of Sadr al-Dn al-Dashtak, Arabic, copied in Rab
I 903/1498 (Dhara, vol. 1, p. 108, no. 384; Tabaqt, vol. 7, p. 244);
16) H all mughlatat al-jadhr al-asamm/ H all mughlata kullu kalm
kdhib (Nihyat al-kalm f hall shubhat kulli kalm kdhib of
Jall al-Dn al-Dawn, Arabic (Dhara, vol. 7, pp. 7677, n. 409);
17) H awshi al R. H all mughlatat al-jadhr al-asamm/ H all mughlatat
kullu kalm kdhib (Nihyat al-kalm f hall shubhat kulli kalm
kdhib) of Nayrz, Arabic (Dhara, vol. 7, pp. 7677, no. 409);
18) Unmdhaj al-ulm of Jall al-Dn al-Dawn, Arabic (Dhara,
vol. 2, pp. 4078, no. 1627);
19) Sharh al Unmdhaj al-ulm of Nayrz, Arabic (Dhara, vol. 2,
pp. 4067, no. 1627, vol. 6, p. 26, no.102; Tabaqt, 7/244).
.
.
.
APPENDIX IV
The followings are all the Arabic passages, translated and quoted pre-
viously in this book from unpublished sources, with the exception of
those passages, appeared in the footnotes or in Appendix I.
.1
.
.2
.
: .3
.
.4
quotations from unpublished sources 199
.
.
.5
.
.
.
200 appendix IV
( )
.
.
.6
.
.7
.
.8
: .
.
....9
quotations from unpublished sources 201
.
.
.
.
.10
.
.
:
:] .11
[
.
.12
.
.13
.
202 appendix IV
.
.
.14
.
.
.
[
+]
.
.
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Sadr al-Dn Mahallt = Kitbkhna-yi q-yi Sadr al-Dn-i Mahallt, Shiraz
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Muhammad Taq Dnishpazhh: Fihrist-i kitbkhna-h-yi umm wa khuss-yi
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INDEX OF MANUSCRIPTS
Ecchellensis, Abraham see al-H aqiln Ibn Ab Jumhr al-Ah s 8 n.44, 146
al-Mrn, Ibrhm Ibn Arab 8, 25, 34, 40, 64, 89 n.56
Empedocles 148, 152 Ibn Bihrz 50
Eubulides of Miletus 78 n.22 Ibn al-H jib (Jaml al-Dn Uthmn b.
Umar) 6 n.36, 23, 30, 75, 82
Frb 23, 25, 37, 61, 62, 78 n.23, 91 Ibn Kaml see Kaml Pshzde
n.62, 94, 98, 99, 128, 193 Ibn Kammna 9, 87, 93, 116 n.46, 132,
Farmarz Qarmalik, Ahad 38 n.231, 135, 14951
74, 78 n.23, n.24, n.25, 79 n.26 Ibn Khallikn 144
Frs (province) 11 Ibn al-Muqaffa 50
al-Frs, Sayyid Muslim 178 Ibn Sn 5, 14, 18, 23, 24, 25, 30, 31,
al-Frs, Taq al-Dn 24, 26 36, 37, 39, 55, 56, 61, 62, 64, 89 n.57,
Fasy, Mrz H asan 834 912, 948, 99103, 104, 106, 113,
al-Fattl, Sharaf al-Dn 8 115, 117, 118, 1234, 126, 127, 128,
Firdaws 135 131, 135, 137, 140, 141, 148, 150,
Firiydn 135, 1423 1934
al-Frzbd, Majd al-Dn 6 n.34, 106 Ibn Turka al-Isfahn, Sin al-Dn 34
n.2, 123 Ibn Zayla 113
al-j, Adud al-Dn 1, 2, 13, 15, 23, 30,
Ghazl 61 n.85, 62 n.88 434, 75, 82, 117, 11920, 127, 179
Gln (province) 57, 58, 116, 118 al-j, Saf al-Dn 6
index of names and places 221